Phil Mickelson tops leaderboard on day one of The Open 2016

Phil Mickelson during the final round of The Masters on April 12, 2015
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Phil Mickelson misses out on becoming the first man in history to shoot 62 at a Major championship as he secures a three-shot lead in the first round of The Open at Royal Troon.

Phil Mickelson has carded a 63, the joint-lowest round in Major history, to lead on eight-under after day one of The Open at Royal Troon.

The American rolled in eight birdie putts in near-perfect conditions, but his 15-footer for a record-breaking round at the last only just missed the drop.

Nine players had carded 63s in 144 previous Opens, the last being Rory McIlroy at St Andrews in 2010, but Mickelson's round was the lowest in an Open at Troon.

Compatriot Patrick Reed and Germany's Martin Kaymer are second on five-under, while England's Andy Sullivan is four-under, one ahead of fellow countryman Justin Rose.

Defending champion Zach Johnson is among a group of eight players on four-under, while McIlroy also enjoyed a promising start at the Ayrshire Links with a score of 69.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy holds the Claret Jug aloft after winning The Open at Royal Liverpool on July 20, 2014 in Hoylake, England
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