Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson's battle for The 145th Open Championship got off to a dramatic start on Sunday afternoon at Royal Troon.
The Swede came into the final round with a one-shot lead over his American rival and while he maintained that advantage after three holes, he did it in some style.
Mickelson struck the first blow as he put his approach to tap-in range on the first for a birdie and when Stenson left his second short of the green, there was a two-shot swing.
The five-time Major winner nearly had back-to-back gains on the second as he hit the pin with his chip and that left the door ajar for Stenson to roll in his birdie putt and get back into a share of the lead.
Both men had birdie chances on the third and while Mickelson could not take his, Stenson rolled in from 12 feet to take back the lead on his own at 13 under.
England's Andrew Johnston made a dramatic start to his final round with three birdies and a bogey in four holes to get to seven under, a shot clear of playing partner Bill Haas.
JB Holmes was then at five under, a shot clear of Steve Stricker and two ahead of Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton and defending champion Zach Johnson.
