Mickelson breaks incredible record to win PGA

Phil Mickelson has made history at the PGA Championship, becoming the oldest player ever to win one of golf's major tournaments.

A month shy of his 51st birthday, Mickelson recorded a two shot victory at Kiawah Island, to claim his sixth major title, and first since the 2013 Open Championship.

Since the first major tournament was played in 1860, Julius Boros, who was victorious at the PGA in 1968 at the age of 48, was previously the oldest player to win on golf's biggest stage.

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In typical Mickelson fashion, it wasn't all smooth sailing. With a three-shot lead standing on the 17th tee, the left-hander missed the green long, finding the thick, shin-high rough.

He was able to blast out safely, although he couldn't save par and saw his lead cut to two strokes.

Phil Mickelson hits out of a bunker on the fifth hole during the final round of the 2021 PGA Championship.

However, his playing partner Brooks Koepka was unable to make Mickelson sweat on the 18th, with a tap-in par enough to maintain his two-shot lead and seal victory.

"It takes his legacy to a whole new level," said Jim Nantz on the CBS coverage.

"This is his greatest achievement, absolutely," agreed Nick Faldo.

"Eight years after his last major, this is off the charts."

Mickelson's sixth career major ties him with Faldo and Lee Trevino, only 11 other men in the history of the game have won more.

Phil Mickelson acknowledges the gallery after winning the PGA Championship.

In extraordinary scenes, huge crowds gathered around the 18th hole, mobbing Mickelson, with his brother Tim caddying, as the pair made their way to the final green to re-write the history books.

"This is just an incredible feeling, because I just believed that it was possible, yet everything was saying it wasn't," Mickelson said.

"I hope that others find that inspiration, it might take a little extra work, a little bit harder effort, to maintain physically, or maintain the skills, but gosh is it worth it in the end.

"I just love this game of golf, and I love what I do, I love the challenge of competing against such great players."

Phil Mickelson celebrates with brother and caddie Tim Mickelson after winning the 2021 PGA Championship.

Mickelson finished at six under par for the championship, two shots clear of Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.

It's a remarkable turnaround in form for Mickelson, who came into the PGA Championship ranked 115th in the world, having not finished in the top 20 in a tournament since August last year.

The veteran started the day with a one-shot lead over Koepka, but a bogey at the first hole, along with a birdie for Koepka, saw Mickelson trail briefly, although a double bogey at the second for Koepka meant his lead was short lived.

A chip-in for Mickelson at the fifth saw the margin extended to two shots, and although the pair were level again after six, Mickelson had regained the two stroke lead by the turn.

Phil Mickelson gives his trademark thumbs up to the gallery.

The margin was out to four after the 10th hole, and from there Mickelson was able to hang on, despite a few nervy moments on the back nine.

Jason Scrivener was the best placed Australian, in a tie for 23rd, seven shots behind Mickelson.

Of the other Australians to make the cut, Matt Jones finished at +2, Jason Day +4, Cameron Smith and Cameron Davis at +7, and Lucas Herbert at +9.

Final Leaderboard:

282 - Phil Mickelson

284 - Louis Oosthuizen, Brooks Koepka

286 - Harry Higgs, Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry

287 - Rickie Fowler, Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Abraham Ancer, Tony Finau, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose

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