Multiple Major winners Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington both began their quest to become The Open Champion with some quirky tactics. Mickelson chose not to play with a driver – as he did at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines – while Harrington has a new movement in his swing and follow through which helps him turn through the ball with more ease.
Flop shot
Mickelson added another wedge to his bag – a 64 degree sand wedge which he can flop from tight lies and also has two 3-irons and the same 3-wood he used en route to his last victory which came at Muirfield four years ago.
Different drivers
It should come as no surprise as the American had previously teed it up at the Masters with two different drivers in his bag. What will he do next?
Tweaking
Harrington, who famously won three Majors in a 13-month spell, is seemingly always tweaking some aspect of his game, and this week he entered with a swing move reminiscent of Gary Player. The Irishman lifts his left foot off the ground during the backswing and then emphasizes his finish after impact with a walk-through action with his right leg.
Miss the cut
So how did they do after day one? Mickelson shot a three-over 73 and Harrington signed for the same number. At the time of writing Mickelson was part way through his second round and four-over for the tournament, on course to miss the cut.
