Scottish Open 2013: How Top Performers Will Perform at British Open

Phil Mickelson prepared in the best possible fashion for the British Open by collecting the Scottish Open title on Sunday.

Castle Stuart was the setting for the prelude to the British Open, which tees off on Scotland's east coast. Mickelson performed strongly in the final day, overcoming South African Branden Grace to win his first trophy on British soil.

In the playoff round, Grace looked to be in control after Mickelson failed to convert a three-putt shot on the green—but the experienced American was never down-and-out. Picking up a reward of $500,000, Mickelson produced a lovely chip to find the hole and take the Scottish Open trophy.

"This is really cool," said Mickelson, as reported by the Press Association's Phil Casey (h/t Daily Mail). "I have been coming here for some time and had some opportunities and I almost let it slip away today. To come out on top was terrific. I was so mad at myself for mentally losing my focus that I came out on that 18th pretty focused to make a four.”

If anything, it suggests Mickelson is a strong competitor going into the British tournament on Thursday. Experienced, technically good and composed, Mickelson will tee off with Justin Rose at Muirfield.

He might be ranked eighth in the world, but the Scottish Open hasn’t been a happy stomping ground for Mickelson.

The runner-up Grace will go into the tournament with mixed emotions, teeing off with Jamie Donaldson and American Webb Simpson in the afternoon. The 25-year-old’s strong showing in Inverness continues his 2012 form, which saw him pick up a number of honours and reach a career-high ranking place.

Fourth-place Henrik Stenson tees off in early afternoon, hoping to recover from a disappointing end to the Scottish Open on Sunday. Going into the final day with a two-shot advantage with 16 under par, the Swede lost ground to Mickelson as they approached the green.

Scotsman Martin Laird had a decent Open on home soil, finishing 14-under in fifth and will travel to East Lothian with the aim of impressing. Laird is a strong player on links courses, and with Muirfield presenting a similar environment to Inverness, he will fancy his chances when teeing off with Darren Clarke.

The British Open competitors are impressive, indeed. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer are in contention, but the extra momentum of the Scottish Open performers could be pivotal. Mickelson is on a high after beating a long-standing hoodoo in Europe and is a strong suggestion for the outright win.