Video: Is This the Best Golf Trick Shot Ever?

GettyImages-1001524846
Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the third tee during the first round of the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Club on July 19, 2018 in Carnoustie, Scotland. Harry How/Getty Images

Golfing legend Phil Mickelson has long been renowned for his short play but took his reputation to a whole new level on Wednesday.

Training for the 147th Open Championship in Carnoustie, Scotland, the five-time major winner treated viewers to a sensational stunt as he took a seemingly impossible flop-shot over the head of former European Tour player Gary Evans.

If the thought of a professional golf player getting the ball to fly over someone's head does not sound particularly impressive, consider the fact Evans was standing barely a yard away from Mickelson.

Lefty opened the face of his wedge, before taking a full swing and nonchalantly lobbing the ball over the Englishman's head.

This just happened 😳and I’m still shaking - thanks Phil @CallawayGolfEU pic.twitter.com/tUTP65o4Nu

— GaryEvans (@garyevanspro) July 17, 2018

"When I saw the swing he made, there was a little bit of a flinch," Evans,best known for finishing fifth at the 2002 Open in Muirfield, was quoted as saying by the Telegraph. "I tried very hard to stand still, but when someone is swinging at you at 100mph, and they are one yard away, it is a bit scary."

The shot, which immediately went viral on social media, was arranged on the fly when Mickelson was trying out his 64-degree wedge behind the driving range at Carnoustie.

When it was suggested to him he should test the newly-adjusted club, Evans agreed to play the role of human obstacle.

The first person you tag has to let you try a flop shot on them 👇😂

🎥 @timmick29 pic.twitter.com/9yW87Ib4pB

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2018

"I was not expecting it to have the sort of media impact it has had," Evans added.

"I did have faith in Phil. I have known him a long time and there is no one more creative in the game, including Tiger Woods. His imagination is just phenomenal. In Phil you are talking about a guy who is the most creative golfer in the world, with a lifetime of experience behind him. It is a privilege to watch him hit these remarkable shots."

Mickelson will hope his short play proves is as on point on the course as he was off it, as he looks to win his first major since triumphing at the 2013 Open at Muirfield, Scotland.

The 48-year-old finished second in golf's oldest major two years ago and was at the center of controversy in the U.S. Open last month, when he hit the ball while it was still moving on the 13th hole.

The incident resulted in a two-stroke penalty but attracted strong criticism from fans and pundits, who called for Mickelson to be disqualified.

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more

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