Mickelson returns to form

Phil Mickelson is happy to have added the Scottish Open to his schedule, firing a superb 64 in the second round at Castle Stuart.

Four-time major champion Phil Mickelson is happy to have added the Scottish Open to his schedule, firing a superb 64 in Friday’s second round at Castle Stuart.

His round included a pitch-in eagle and six birdies to end a run of eight successive rounds over par.

“I just needed to play more – I’ve only played three tournaments the last couple of months,” Mickelson said after finishing on seven-under 137.

“It’s very helpful to see my game progress so quickly. I’m very lucky because I’ve got a very supportive family and when I was thinking about adding it after missing the cut last week, (wife) Amy had the same idea simultaneously.

“It was very important that I have a couple more rounds here (ahead of next week’s Open Championship).

“It will give a chance now on the weekend to have a couple more days of working on it.

“Hopefully it will get a little bit nastier because it’s supposed to be some tough weather conditions next week.”

The 42-year-old Mickelson finished tied second at the Open last year, his best finish at golf’s most prestigious event.