Phil Mickelson Talks 'Crazy' British Open Birdie Highlight, 'Obviously a Lot of Luck'

Phil Mickelson recorded his best opening round at an Open Championship since 2016 on Thursday at 1-under 70, and he had one of the most impressive highlights of the day.

Mickelson managed to save par on the par-3 third hole when his shot out of the bunker spun into the hole.

"That was a crazy one," Mickelson said after the round, per ESPN's Paolo Uggetti. "To make it, it was obviously a lot of luck. It was crazy. I was just trying to save bogey, and I got lucky and it went in."

Mickelson was at the top of the leaderboard for a bit after shooting 2 under on the front nine. However, he struggled on the back nine with two bogeys before carding a birdie on the 17th hole.

The six-time major winner is in a strong position to make the cut on Friday after missing the cut at the other three majors this year. He managed to make the cut at last year's British Open, which marked his first made cut at the event since 2016.

"I just think it's a sign of a complete player, to be able to win in all the conditions of the majors that they provide," Mickelson said. "Obviously I've never won a U.S. Open, but winning a Masters requires a whole different style of play than winning a U.S. Open and a PGA. This is unique as well."