Phil after Tiger's top spot

23 July 2013 - 03:01 By Reuters
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Phil Mickelson of the United States won the 142nd British Open Championship at Muirfield on Sunday. The victory pushed him up to No 2 in the world rankings
Phil Mickelson of the United States won the 142nd British Open Championship at Muirfield on Sunday. The victory pushed him up to No 2 in the world rankings
Image: ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

Phil Mickelson suddenly has the world No1 ranking in his sights after what he said was the best round of his career took him to a superb British Open victory at Muirfield on Sunday.

The American, who burst from the pack to win by three shots after a sizzling final-round 66, climbed above Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy into second place in the rankings behind Tiger Woods who is still comfortably ahead.

Mickelson has never topped the world rankings.

The 43-year-old's charge to his first British Open title proved a popular one among his fellow professionals with the left-hander receiving widespread praise.

His swing coach, Butch Harmon, said his performance on Sunday in the wind and with difficult pin positions was the best he had ever seen.

"I said when Greg [Norman] won in 1993 that was the best round of golf I'd seen, but I think this one tops it," Harmon said. "He just embraced how to play on a links course."

Justin Rose, who beat Mickelson to the US Open title this year, said on Twitter: "Really pleased for Phil. I feel good for him especially after all the courtesy and sportsmanship he showed me at the Ryder Cup and US Open."

Mickelson's long-time caddie, Jim Mackay, who was tearful afterwards, said winning the British Open ranked alongside the American's three Masters triumphs.

"I think it ranks right up there among his previous wins," Mackay said. "I love the Masters but I love the British Open, especially in Scotland. It means the world for me as his caddie, to win - it's very special."

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