Phil Mickelson (picture) grabbed a piece of golf history at the British Open yesterday, capturing a share of the record for the lowest score in a major championship – and coming within fractions of an inch of taking the record outright. Aided by birdies on 10, 14, 16 and 17 on Royal Troon’s dangerous back nine, Mickelson posted a final score of 63, equaling the record low for majors. He had a curling 15-foot putt for birdie on 18 that would have given him a 62, but the ball circled the hole and then came to rest just outside it. He has a three-shot lead over compatriot Patrick Reed.

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