Mickelson leads Open after stunning 63

STRONG START Former champion comes close to a record 62

TROON (SCOTLAND): Former champion Phil Mickelson went clear at the top of the leaderboard at the British Open on Thursday after a stunning eight-under-par first round of 63 at Royal Troon.

The 2013 winner of the Claret Jug came within inches of becoming the first golfer to record a 62 in Major championship history as his birdie putt at the last licked the cup, just refusing to drop.

His flawless effort featured eight birdies, includ- ing at 16 and 17 in a fantastic late charge, and not a single dropped shot.

Mickelson leads in the clubhouse by three strokes from fellow American Patrick Reed.

World No 1 Jason Day admitted he has a lot of work to do after shooting a disappointing two over 73.

The 28-year-old, who has gone close on several occasions at the Majors but has only last year’s PGA Championship to his credit, accepted that with far less clement weather predicted for Friday he may have missed an opportunity at posting a good score.

“You know, it’s two-over par on a pretty easy day out there,” said Day, who finished one shot off being involved in the playoff for last year’s title.

“But the next three days are going to be pretty difficult. So I’ve got a lot of work to do. But hopefully by the end of the day I’m not too far behind. I can slowly inch my way back into the tournament.”

Day, who has been seeking advice from ailing 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods over the past year, said despite the relatively mild conditions links golf was a different challenge.

“It is,” sad Day, “but you still can’t understate links golf and the bounces that you get out here.”