Mickelson: I missed cut 'with flair'

Phil Mickelson's quest for a second Claret Jug will have to wait until 2018 at Carnoustie Golf Links, as the 47-year-old posted rounds of 73-77 to miss the cut at Royal Birkdale.

In typical Mickelson fashion, the five-time major champion gave golf fans two remarkable rounds at The Open. After a birdie-free round on Thursday, Mickelson's second round was unreal, making four birdies, eight bogeys, and a triple-bogey.

"It's just one of those things, where if it starts going bad in these conditions, it's just going to go bad," Mickelson told the Golf Channel. "It's not that big of a deal. It's unfortunately the first cut I've missed this year, and I missed it with flair."

Mickelson found just 39 percent of the fairways, and 39 percent of the green in regulation, while requiring 57 putts for the week, and will now look ahead to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow next week.

"I thought my game was sharp, but obviously it wasn't. So, I've got this week off. I'll see if I can get it sharp for Akron (WGC-Bridgestone), and the PGA (Championship)."

The 2013 Open champion was playing in his first major without his longtime caddie, Jim "Bones" Mackay, on the bag, but didn't blame the switch for his disappointing week at Birkdale.

"We all go through days like this and it's part of the game. I don't want to put too much stock into it. I've been really hitting the ball well, I've been playing well. So rather than dwell on two rough days here, I'll go back home and get ready for these upcoming events."