Mickelson blames lack of focus as US PGA champion exits after ‘terrible’ display

Two months after becoming the oldest winner in major championship history, Phil Mickelson blamed a lack of focus after a "terrible" performance in the 149th Open.

Mickelson took until the 11th hole of his second round to register his first birdie of the week, eventually adding a 72 to his opening 80 at Royal St George's to finish 12 over par.

"I haven't got it going since the PGA," said the 51-year-old, who won the Open at Muirfield in 2013 and claimed his sixth major title in the US PGA at Kiawah Island in May. "I will definitely take some time off now. I have played a lot more than I usually do. I usually take two weeks off after the US Open but I played (the next) two weeks.

"I have to figure what to do to get back to the level of golf I know i can, like i did at kiawah, to try and contend. "I love this tournament. I have worked hard and prepared and felt like I was playing well but I played some of my worst golf. I felt I was ready but I obviously played terrible. I will take a little time off and try to regroup. I am having some focus challenges, but I will work on it."

Francesco Molinari, the 2018 winner, also made an early exit, as did Henrik Stenson, who beat Mickelson in a thrilling title tussle at Troon five years ago.

Victor Perez was a casualty as well along with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, two-time Open winner Ernie Els and Darren Clarke, the winner here a decade ago. It was a painful exit for 2009 champion Stewart Cink, who dropped 94 places after a 77 - 11 strokes more than his opening effort. The bulk of the damage was caused by an 8 at the 14th.