As the curtain raiser to the Open Championship the following week at Carnoustie, the Barclays Scottish Open attracted some of the biggest names in the world – Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Luke Donald and others all made the trip. It wasn’t, however, one of the big names who walked away with the £50,000 first prize – but a virtually unknown Frenchman - Gregory Havret - who holed a tricky 5-footer on the first extra hole to beat world no 3 Phil Mickelson in a play-off. The title also earned Havret the last remaining spot at the Open.

The Players Championship (TPC) has for a long time been considered golf’s ‘5th’ Major because of the traditionally very strong field – typically the top 50 players in the world congregate to battle it out for the huge prize money. The victor this time was Phil Mickelson who, helped by Tiger’s old coach, Butch Harmon, bagged the $1.62m first prize and the 31st PGA Tour victory of his career after finishing with a 3-under 69 and a two-stroke victory over Sergio Garcia. Stewart Cink and Jose Maria Olazabal a further stroke back tied 3rd. The Stadium course is famous for its tiny island green on the par 3 17th – which this time proved a watery grave for a record 94 golf balls (it’s not just us handicappers who end up in the drink). This was Mickelson’s first victory at the TPC after 14 attempts.