The Open: Phil Mickelson maintains lead in second round after missing history-making putt
PHIL MICKELSON made a blistering start to his second round as he threatened to run away with the Open.
Phil Mickelson looks on during the second round of The Open
Mickelson was the overnight leader following his stunning round of 63 on the opening day at Royal Troon.
This included a putt on the 18th green to post a history making 62 that would have been the lowest round in Major history, but agonisingly lipped out of the hole.
Then he turned the screw on his rivals even tighter at the famous 'Postage Stamp' hole with a stunning tee shot that came within a whisker of landing him a hole-in-one.
The simple birdie took him to 11 under and a five shot lead over nearest rival Soren Kjeldsen and fellow American Zach Johnson.
Mickelson was fortunate to complete his opening nine holes in benign conditions and was in danger of posting a score that would be impossible to match later in the afternoon.