Phil Mickelson shoots major-record tying 63 at The Open Championship

— -- TROON, Scotland -- Phil Mickelson came within a lip-out of golf history Thursday, shooting an 8-under-par 63 at Royal Troon during the first round of The Open.

Mickelson, 46, who won The Open at Muirfield three years ago. had an 18-footer for birdie at the 18th that appeared in, cut the right lip and spun out. No player has ever shot 62 in a major championship.

"I felt like it was kind of easy," Mickelson said. "I didn't try to do too much."

Mickelson said he hadn't ever seen such favorable conditions at Royal Troon. On a sunny, warm day, wind was not a factor.

"It was a beautiful day, and I took advantage of it," he said. "It was fun."

As for the putt on 18, Mickelson couldn't believe it didn't go in.

"It was right in the center of the hole with a foot to go," he said.

After commenting on video of his round, Mickelson watched the putt on 18 lip out.

"I've seen all these highlights and I feel like crying," he said.

Mickelson said that the chance to do something like that doesn't come along often and may not again.

"That was a chance to do something historical right there and to miss it that way ..." he said.

Mickelson's 63 is the 28th in major championship history and the ninth at The Open. The last was by Rory McIlroy in 2010 at St. Andrews.

Three years ago, Mickelson had an eerily similar put lip out on the final hole of the Waste Management Phoenix Open for a 59.

A five-time major champion, Mickelson missed the cut at the Masters and U.S. Open this year. He leads Patrick Reed by 3 strokes.

Americans dominated the leaderboard on Thursday. Reed was second at minus-5 after a 66. Zach Johnson was also at 5 under after 15 holes. Justin Thomas Steve Stricker and Billy Horschel followed at 4 under.