I reminded Phil that he never let go of that Claret Jug during the entire championship newser

On a day in which all attention was focused on whether Lee Westwood could win his first major in his own backyard, whether Adam Scott could double up his 2013 major total, or whether Tiger Woods could finally get his first in over 5 years, it was Phil Mickelson who stepped in and turned in the round of the day and one of the classics of all-time.

He began the day five strokes behind Westwood before turning in a -5 round, paced by six birdies, and ended up tying the low round of the entire tournament, to finish at -3 for the week and earn his first Claret Jug.

Phil not only shot a 32 on the more difficult back 9 at Muirfield but fired birdies on four of his final six holes to run away with his 5th major from out of the blue.

The following are most of the key figures’ post-tournament thoughts on what turned into one of the great finishes in Open Championship history and as Phil called it, the best round of his life. And it truly capped off my special trip to Europe after watching Andy Murray become the first Brit in 77 years to win Wimbledon.

Phil Mickelson:
Phil Mickelson Open Championship newser with Sobel et al

Adam Scott who finished T-3 and 4 shots back after letting another Open Championship get away when he had the lead on the back 9:
Adam Scott with Sobel et al after final round at Muirfield

Lee Westwood had the lead for much of the front 9 but let it slip away as he could never put his game in championship form and disappointing his local U.K. fans to leave still without his first major:
Lee Westwood with Sobel et al after final round at Muirfield

Ian Poulter who had the earlier round of the day at 4 under par for finished T-3 alongside fellow Brit Westwood:
Ian Poulter with Sobel et al after the round of the day so far 4 under

Tiger Woods never gave himself a realistic chance to win with a below Tiger-like 3 over 74 and T-6 and 5 shots back of Phil:
Tiger Woods with Sobel et al post final round at Muirfield