Video: Phil Mickelson produces the shot of Day 1 at the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup calls for big shots at key moments, but over the course of his career, Phil Mickelson's failed on numerous occasions to make his mark on the biennial competition.
However, that all changed on Friday afternoon on Medinah's par-3 17th, after Mickelson produced the shot of the day to secure a critical point for the United States. Clinging to a 2-up lead with two holes to play and needing a big-time approach to match Rory McIlroy -- who was already inside 10 feet -- Mickelson hit a pinpoint iron shot that hit right next to the pin and stopped within a couple feet for birdie. The shot was good enough to secure a 2&1 win.
Playing with Keegan Bradley clearly brought out the best in Mickelson on Friday. He looked like a kid again, exchanging high fives and hugs with Bradley the entire day, and for the first time in nine Ryder Cup appearances went 2-0 on the first day of the competition.
"I felt young and it felt great," Mickelson said afterwards. "I love playing with Keegan. He's just‑‑ I'd say to him a couple times out there, hey, I need a little pep talk, and he'd just give me something that would get me boosted right up and I'd end up hitting a good shot. To finish it like this was just great."
