Kieran Shannon: Learning to master emotions a key element in Phil Mickelson’s comeback

Even in the back nine, he’d have several bogeys but as Pádraig Harrington observed, Mickelson remained absolutely committed and fearless with every shot

Phil Mickelson raises the Wanamaker Trophy as the sun goes down at Kiawah Island on Sunday. Picture: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Within minutes of the best performance he’d had in a major in nine years, Pádraig Harrington offered an explanation in a characteristically honest and insightful interview to Sky Sports.

“I will say one thing [about] today and it’s something we always say to every player to try to work on, but I don’t think I enjoyed a round as much as I did playing with Shane [Lowry] today. It’s amazing how relaxed I was. [Okay,] I wasn’t relaxed at the putting but from tee to green, I was relaxed all day.