Phil Mickelson’s 2013 Scottish Open win teaches Bryson DeChambeau a lesson

Phil Mickelson’s 2013 Scottish Open triumph gave him the confidence to capture the Open Championship, a lesson Bryson DeChambeau missed as he skips the 2026 Scottish Open.

What did Mickelson achieve at the 2013 Scottish Open?

On 14 July 2013, Mickelson posted a final‑round 68 to claim his first Scottish Open title at the Renaissance Club. The win came a week before the Open Championship at Muirfield, where he finished tied‑second and later secured his first major at the 2013 Open. His performance demonstrated how a solid week on links terrain can sharpen a player’s game for the Claret Jug.

Why is DeChambeau’s absence significant?

Bryson DeChambeau, a LIV Golf member, is not in the 2026 Scottish Open field because he lacks DP World Tour membership and has not secured a sponsor exemption. The event runs 20‑23 July and offers a rare practice window on true links before the Open at Royal Birkdale. DeChambeau’s decision to focus on YouTube content instead of competitive rounds leaves him without the kind of preparation Mickelson used in 2013.

How could DeChambeau have used Mickelson’s example?

Mickelson worked with coach Butch Harmon to adjust his swing and shot‑selection for the softer, wind‑swept conditions of Scottish links. He used the Scottish Open to test low‑trajectory shots and firm‑ground play, then carried that confidence into the Open. DeChambeau’s power‑driven style has struggled on links; his missed cut at the 2024 US Open at Shinnecock Hills highlighted those difficulties. A week of competitive rounds on similar terrain could have offered data points for tweaking his setup.

What does this mean for DeChambeau’s Open prospects?

DeChambeau has said he may limit his schedule to the four majors and content creation. If he enters Royal Birkdale on 10‑13 July without recent competitive play, his lack of real‑time feedback could be costly. Past players who skipped lead‑up events have often faltered, while those who embraced the Scottish Open’s conditions have found success. DeChambeau’s choice puts a spotlight on the importance of tournament rhythm ahead of a major.

Could a DP World Tour membership change the equation?

A DP World Tour card would let DeChambeau compete in co‑sanctioned events alongside LIV players, preserving his ability to race on links courses regardless of LIV’s future. The 2026 Scottish Open, co‑sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, illustrates the bridge between the two circuits. Without that membership, DeChambeau remains on the periphery, missing out on the practice week that helped Mickelson turn a regular win into a career‑defining major.

What’s the broader lesson for players?

Mickelson’s 2013 approach shows that a single tournament can serve as a rehearsal for a major. Players who adapt their game to local conditions and use the week to build confidence often see the payoff. DeChambeau’s path underscores how strategic scheduling, not just raw talent, shapes performance at golf’s biggest stages.