Mickelson continues Open charge at Troon

Former champion, Phil Mickelson, went clear at the top of the British Open first round leaderboard after a birdie at the short 14th at Troon yesterday.

It was the sixth birdie of the day for the 2013 winner of the Claret Jug and allowed Mickelson, at six-under, to move a stroke clear of the rest of the field on a day of glorious sunshine.

Mickelson had earlier recorded four birdies on the front nine and also picked up a shot at the par-four 10th.

His fellow American, Patrick Reed, was the clubhouse leader at five-under, followed by a host of players on four-under.

That list included American quartet, Justin Thomas, Steve Stricker, Billy Horschel and Tony Finau, as well as Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen.

Out on the course, Germany’s Martin Kaymer and the reigning champion Zach Johnson of the United States were both four-under after 12 holes.