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Phil Mickelson's strong prediction in the past about Henrik Stenson came true in the 2016 Open Championship as he lost the trophy to his LIV mate. Before the 2016 Open Championship, Mickelson asserted that Stenson would win a Major one day for his long iron game on the links.
This statement came after Stenson's record at the Open Championships prior to 2016. His best finishes were T3 (2008, 2010) and T2 (2013). In 2013, he lost the cup by three shots to Mickelson. Before the 2016 Open Championship began, Mickelson backed the Swedish golfer to win a major. Stenson proved Mickelson's prediction right by winning the 2016 Open Championship. Ahead of the 2016 Open Championship, Mickelson had said (via Mirror):
“Henrik, you’re one of the best long iron players in the game's history. The best I’ve ever seen. You’re going to win your major,” Mickelson said before the 2016 Open Championship.
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In the opening round, Stenson dropped three birdies and one eagle on hole 6 to settle his score at 68. Whereas, Mickelson dropped eight birdies and had a lead over Stenson with 63. In the second round, Mickelson stood at 69 and Stenson was at 65. After the second round, Mickelson dominated over Stenson with 10-under.
In the third round, Stenson played better and landed at 68, whereas the 54-year-old ended up at 70. Stenson dominated over Mickelson with 12-under, while Mickelson’s score was 11-under. In the final round, Mickelson scored 65 and Stenson scored 63. Mickelson's score stood at 17-under and Stenson's score was 20-under, leading Stenson to his first Major win.
Phil Mickelson recalls his defeat to Henrik Stenson in the 2016 Open
Before the LIV Golf Andalucia, Phil Mickelson joined a press conference where he shared his emotions after the 2016 Open Championship. He said how he tried his best that year but lost the Claret Jug to a fellow LIV friend.
“Thanks for giving me [the] opportunity to talk about me losing. And it was really one of the fun events. The only time I can remember in my career where I played my absolute best golf and it wasn't enough to win…But yet I still really enjoyed that week. I still looked back on it fondly even though I didn't win,” Mickelson said.
He also shared that for him, the process and tournament experience mattered more than the trophy. The 6x major winner won the Claret Jug once in his life at the 2013 Open Championship. Although he never won the U.S. Open, Mickelson won the Masters title thrice, with his first win coming in 2004, followed by 2006 and 2010.
He also triumphed at the PGA Championship twice, in 2005 and 2021. Currently, Phil Mickelson plays at LIV Golf and only participates in the PGA Tour Major events.
