It took him another half-hour longer than it should have, but Phil Mickelson eventually ended a 20-year wait for a win in Europe as his brilliance around the greens rescued the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open title.
Ever the unpredictable showman, the 43-year-old missed a straightforward five-foot putt on the final hole at Castle Stuart that would have won the title in regulation time but instead dropped him into a play-off with the Dunhill Links champion, South Africa’s Branden Grace.
However, on the first extra hole, an exquisite pitch from a bare lie short and right of the green spun as if controlled by wires back to within a foot of the hole to secure a birdie and the £500,000 first prize.
It was the four-time major champion’s first European Tour victory and his first on this side of the Atlantic since a Challenge Tour event in Paris in 1993.
Both players had shot final-round 69s to tie on 17-under totals of 271, two shots ahead of Dane JB Hansen and Henrik Stenson of Sweden.
Mickelson had previously come close at the Scottish, losing to Gregory Havret in 2007 at Loch Lomond, but despite another scare he got there this time.
It was also perfect preparation for Mickelson’s challenge for the Open this week, as at last Castle Stuart had a strong prevailing wind for which the course had been designed, and his was one of only five scores under 70 on the final day.
“This is really cool,” said Mickelson, whose loyalty to the championship he continued to play this last two years after one of his sponsors dropped the tournament was finally rewarded.
“I have been coming here for some time and had some opportunities and I almost let it slip away today. To come out on top was terrific.
“I was so mad at myself for mentally losing my focus that I came out on that 18th pretty focused to make a four, but then again nobody likes a movie that’s predictable, do they?”
Mickelson described the win as “fulfilling and special”.
“It’s been one of the biggest challenges of my career, adapting to links-style golf and this final round in some difficult conditions on firm ground I played some really good golf.
“I really don’t think there’s a better way to get ready for a major than playing well the week before, but there’s a lot more involved in the Open. You need luck with tee times, with good bounces and with the weather.”
For further coverage from Castle Stuart, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.