This Crazy Stat Underlines How Unlucky Phil Mickelson Was at The Open

As you probably know by now, Henrik Stenson is the toast of the golfing world tonight after the Swede won The Open Championship at Royal Troon following an epic showdown with Phil Mickelson.

The pair were neck-and-neck going into the last three holes, but Stenson holed an epic 35-yard putt to edge the battle in his direction, and eventually took home the silverware after carding an 8-under 63 on Sunday to finish the tournament at 20-under.

However, whilst Mickelson can be proud of his fighting spirit and brilliant performance this weekend, finishing runner-up will definitely be a sore one to take, mainly because his score was so unbelievably good that it seems inconceivable he didn’t win.

Mickelson’s 72-hole score of -17 was so good that he is now the proud owner of this unbelievable stat – not that it’ll probably console him much in bed tonight:

Phil Mickelson's 72-hole score of -17 would have won all but 4 Opens.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 17, 2016

Mickelson's -17 would have won 141 of the 145 British opens ever played

— GARY IVINS (@BIGNASTY500) July 17, 2016

If Mickelson "wanted to cry" after his opening 63, how's this final score going to sit? https://t.co/2tOUcsxWTW

— Darren Smith (@DSmithShow) July 17, 2016

Mickleson's score would have won all but four Opens in history, but he lost by 3. Incredible! #TheOpen

— Darren Jalland ن (@larbertred) July 17, 2016

Wow! What a remarkable performance from Phil. It’s difficult to believe he lost.

For Mickelson, it’s an 11th runner-up finish at a major in his career. Only Jack Nicklaus, with 19, has more to his name.