TROON, Scotland -- As Phil Mickelson settled in Thursday evening at the Marine Hotel, which overlooks the Firth of Clyde, Troon's Old Course and the town itself, you wonder whether he enjoyed the accomplishment of his day's work or lamented what was lost.
A historic record eluded him by the precarious roll of a golf ball, and, as impressive as shooting 62 would be, it in no way guaranteed winning the 145th Open. Sure, every shot counts, every one knocked off helps, but it was the first day of four, one shot out of roughly 270-plus.