Phil Mickelson Wins Maiden British Open

Phil Mickelson won his first British Open and his fifth major championship on the back of a stunning final round on Sunday, proving why he was one of the favorites for the title in pre-tournament betting.

Mickelson Conquers Britain

Mickelson won the claret jug for the first time on the back a 5-under par 66 in Sunday's final round at Muirfield. That performance matched the best round on any of the tournament's four days, and ensured his victory over a large field of other contenders that included Tiger Woods.

This was a sweet victory for the Mickelson, who had won four major championships and been runner-up eight time, including once before at the British Open. Incredibly, he finished runner-up at the US Open - the one major he hasn't won - for a sixth time last month.

Favorite or Underdog?

In golf, more than in any sport, major championships are won almost as often by underdogs as by the favorites. Presumably, this is because the field include so many players, and because tournaments can switch directions with one good - or bad - hole.

Mickelson was second favorite behind Tiger Woods for most of the lead-up, getting as close as 14/1 a few days out from the tourney. But he actually fell to 20/1 and the fifth-line in betting (behind Woods, Adam Scott, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood) as the Open began, making him some sort of underdog himself.