Phil Mickelson survived a scare at the ninth hole to maintain his one-strokelead midway through the Scottish Open final round on Sunday. The left-handed American was 14 under through nine holes, one ahead of playing partner Gregory Havret of France on a warm, sunny day at Loch Lomond.
Britain's Luke Donald, playing some of the best golf of the day, was sharing third place on 10 under through 17. On the same mark were fellow countryman Graeme McDowell (14 holes), Swede Pelle Edberg (14) and South African Ernie Els(11).
Mickelson made an early birdie at the long third before he attempted to drive the green at the 340-yard, par-four ninth. He decided to take a provisional third off the tee after his opening drive finished in thick rough to the right of the green.
Then, after taking a free drop because an animal's hole was interfering with his swing, he lobbed his original ball to within six feet of the cup and sank his putt for a birdie.
Havret, playing the hole in more conventional style, hit his approach to 10 feet and rolled in his effort for a matching three. The Scottish Open is the final warm-up event ahead of the British Open at Carnoustie that starts on Thursday.
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