Stenson relaxed for a date with destiny
SO inseparable have Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson become over the past 24 hours, it would not come as a surprise to learn they’ve got magnets in their pockets. Paired together on day three of the Open championship at Royal Troon, they will form the final group again this afternoon after delivering two impressively consistent rounds of golf that negated the threat of a relentless and often blustery wind that blew many of their rivals off course.
Stenson, looking to become the first Scandinavian man to win a major, holds the upper hand going into the final round. Starting the day a shot behind Mickelson, the Swede stated his intent by making birdies on three of the first four holes. Bogeys on six and eight temporarily halted his progress but he came again on the back nine, picking up shots on the two par threes for a round of 68.
A total of 12 under leaves him one shot better off than Mickelson with 18 holes left to duel over.
“Phil is one of the best to play the game in the last 20 years and it’s going to be a tough match,” said the Swede. “But I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’ve worked hard these first three days to put myself in this situation and I’m going to try my hardest tomorrow to finish the job.”
Stenson came across remarkably relaxed for a man just one round away from perhaps fulfilling a lifelong ambition, even making a joke about the dreary local weather.
“I’ve put myself in a great spot. If you want to throw the odds, I give myself a 50-50 – it might happen, it might not happen. The sun will come up on Monday anyway, hopefully. Well, maybe not in Scotland.”
Leading after the first and second days, Mickelson was largely blemishfree on his third round too, enjoying bogey-free golf until the 14th hole. A dropped shot there and another on 17 saw the 2013 champion sign for a one-under round of 70, 11 under for the tournament overall. He remains in contention for what would be a sixth major title.
“Today could have been a day that