Watch Phil Mickelson’s backward shot in preparation for British Open

The hot topics at the British Open on Tuesday?

Tiger Woods trying to break his major drought. The arrival of teen sensation Jordan Spieth. And the backward flop shot that Phil Mickelson hit from the edge of the green during a practice round at Muirfield.

“I just looked at it and thought I’d give it a try,” he said. “I didn’t know anybody was filming.”

The trick shot, which settled close to the hole, has long been a part of Mickelson’s repertoire, at least when it comes to goofing around. But it has been a while since he last hit it.

Apparently, the British Open’s long history of difficult weather -- translate: clouds, rain, howling winds -- inspired him.

“I love the shots we get to hit over here,” he said. “Sometimes we can get a wedge ... you can hit forward off a level lie, [it] can almost go behind you when the wind is strong enough.”

There will probably be windy conditions in the coming days at Muirfield, but the forecast isn’t calling for anything too severe.

“Just having fun with shots around here is enjoyable,” Mickelson said. “Hopefully I won’t have to hit that shot this week, though.”

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