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Jack Nicklaus hails Stenson and Mickelson

Jack Nicklaus thinks Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson's enthralling Royal Troon Open showdown eclipsed his legendary 'Duel in the Sun' with Tom Watson.

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Jack Nicklaus believes Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson's enthralling Royal Troon showdown on Sunday eclipsed his legendary 'Duel in the Sun' with Tom Watson back in 1977.

Swede Stenson held off the strong challenge of Mickelson to end his wait for an elusive first major victory, setting a new Open Championship record by finishing a remarkable 20 under.

Five-time major champion Mickelson put up an incredible fight, but fell short on 17 under on a captivating final day at the famous South Ayrshire course.

Watching Stenson and American Mickelson go toe-to-toe evoked memories of the gripping Open battle between golfing greats Watson and Nicklaus at Turnberry 39 years ago.

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Nicklaus rates the show which Stenson and Mickelson put on as even better than his contest with Watson, who won by just one shot all those years ago.

"I was fortunate to watch every second of today's final round of the Open Championship, and I thought it was fantastic," Nicklaus tweeted.

"Phil Mickelson played one of the best rounds I have ever seen played in the Open and Henrik Stenson just played better - he played one of the greatest rounds I have ever seen.

"Phil certainly has nothing to be ashamed of because he played wonderfully. Henrik played well from beginning to end. He drove the ball well; his iron game was great; his short game was wonderful; and his putting was great.

"Henrik was simply terrific. To win your first major championship is something special in and of itself, but to do it in the fashion Henrik did it in, makes for something very special and incredibly memorable.

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"I'm proud of and happy for Henrik. Some in the media have already tried to compare today's final round to 1977 at Turnberry, with Tom Watson and me in what they called the "duel in the sun".

"I thought we played great and had a wonderful match. On that day, Tom got me, 65-66. Our final round was really good, but theirs was even better. What a great match today."

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