Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson admits it will be a sad occasion when he returns the Claret Jug next week at Royal Liverpool, the venue for his British Open defence.

Mickelson is firstly defending this week’s Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen before handing back the Claret Jug to R & A CEO Peter Dawson next Tuesday at Royal Liverpool in north-west England.

Since being handed golf’s most recognised trophy nearly a year ago Mickelson admits he has enjoyed more than anything the reaction to those holding and admiring the famed silver trophy.

“I’ve taken it to some of the courses that I’m a member at back in San Diego and left it there while I go play in the locker room and guys will take pictures of it and take sips out of it, and people that really appreciate the game of golf understand and know what a privilege it is to be able to hold it.

“And it’s been fun and I’m sad to give it back but I’m also hopeful that I’ll have a chance to have a it for another year sometime soon, if not this one.”

Mickelson this week will be looking to become the first player to successfully defend the Scottish Open he won last year at Castle Stuart near Inverness.

Currently ranked No.13 in the world, Mickelson is among 23 players lying inside the top-60 who will tee up in the three-million-pound event.

“I love these two events. They were two of the most memorable events of my career arguably last year,” Mickelson said.

“Walking up the 18th hole at Muirfield last year knowing I had the tournament in the grasp was really the greatest feeling, to be able to take advantage of that moment and not have to grind it out but really enjoy the walk.

“I’ll always remember that, and it’s a very emotional time for me.”