Phil Mickelson became the 26th player in major championship history to shoot a 63 on Thursday as he ended day one with a three shot lead at Royal Troon.

Phil Mickelson last won the British Open three years ago when he was victorious at Muirfield, and it seems he is glad to be back in Scotland.

'Lefty' shot an 8-under par 63 in the opening round of the Open at Royal Troon, but he'll long remember the lipped-out putt at the final hole that cost him a place in the history books.

Mickelson could have become the first player to shoot 62 at a major championship. Instead, he joins 25 other players who've managed a 63.

The 46-year-old American hit eight birdies as he went out in 32, and came back in 31.

No record then, but it was enough for a three shot lead over the chasing pack - dominated by Mickleson's compatriots.

Patrick Reed is one of them after a five-under 66, while Martin Kaymer is the leading European - the German also on five-under.

Kaymer didn't drop a shot all day in what were calm conditions at Royal Troon.

Zach Johnson made an impressive start and was at one stage six-under, but the defending champion dropped two shots over the last two holes to sit in a tie for fourth at four-under.

Soren Kjeldsen also went round in 67, including six birdies, but the Dane dropped shots at the first and the 12th.

Few players are more desperate to win a major than Sergio Garcia - and the Spaniard remains in with a chance at the close of the first day trailing Mickleson by five shots.

The 2014 Open champion, Rory McIlroy, completed a solid round and is two-under, while 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen hit the shot of the day - acing the 14th.