Phil Mickelson wins Scottish Open on playoff hole

INVERNESS, Scotland — Phil Mickelson birdied the first playoff hole to beat Branden Grace and win the Scottish Open on Sunday, ending his 20-year wait for a victory in Europe.

After three-putting the 72nd hole to miss out on a win in regulation, Mickelson produced a superb pitch to within a foot of the 18th pin to leave Grace a 25-footer to match him.

Grace’s putt rolled by the hole and Mickelson was able to celebrate a 48th professional victory worldwide with his wife and three children watching.

Mickelson was using the tournament to hone his game ahead of next week’s British Open at Muirfield. He should tee off on Thursday as No. 5 in the world and $740,000 richer.