British Open 2011 Results: Will Phil Mickelson Win Claret Jug in His Career?

Phil Mickelson nearly had it. He was so close. Everything was going. And then his putter took a turn.

Well, his ball did when it nicked the hole, and then Phil's confidence went down. You saw the look on his face. You saw Bones try to help. But Phil couldn't do it.

Thing is, Phil still can do it. In fact, he will do it by the close of his career. Right now Phil is going through times tougher than Tiger Woods personally. His struggles are by horrible luck, however not by his own doing.

For that, Phil is being a family man. He is doing what he should. Ignoring work and focusing on his family.

When his wife and mother's problems fully subside, he will be able to return to practicing more normally.

From the way Phil putted this week, it was clear he hasn't had as much time to devote towards it. However, should he practice again, which it's plausible he will get his time back, Phil will get it back. His feel is the best in the game around the green.

What you saw today was an onslaught by Phil, however his game didn't have what it takes today to hold up. Remember, everyone made bogeys today. Phil still shared the low round of the day with Sergio Garcia and a few others, at 68. 

Phil's round may have been a disappointment because of his front nine, but we never asked if Tiger would ever win after his back nine at the Masters didn't close as we all wanted. So why question Phil? Just because he has had breakdowns before? 

Most golfers do. All golfers do, including Tiger Woods (the inhuman version).

Phil Mickelson has the game to win any major, it's a question of his mentality. Has the Open got to him like the US Open? Hopefully not.