Thursday sees The Open Championship return to Carnoustie for the first time since 2007 as the competition enters its 147th campaign.

Martin Kaymer, Sandy Lyle and Andy Sullivan will open the oldest major championship in two days' time, teeing off at 6.35am.

Ahead of the tournament, one man who will be aiming to cause some damage during the course of this week is former Open champion Phil Mickelson.

The 48-year-old has also claimed five major championships, three Masters titles and a PGA Championship and remains one of the 16 players in Golf history to win at least three of the four majors.

This year is Mickelson’s 26th as a professional and he will very much be hoping to add to his 2013 Open title come Sunday.

At the moment, though, his focus will be on practicing for Thursday’s opener but it seems he has taken preparations to a whole new level.

Mickelson was joined by former European Tour pro and two-time top 10 finisher at the Open, Gary Evans, to display an outrageous trick shot during his pre-tournament warm-up.

The latter positioned himself in front of the American, standing directly opposite in a statue-like manner as Mickelson pulled back his wedge.

At full speed, the former world number two swung his club before producing the most audacious of chips which glided over Evans’ head before landing on the other side.

As you can see in the video below, it could have very easily horribly - and quite painfully - for Evans.

And here it is in slow-motion:

Even though you know it is Mickelson taking the shot, you can understand why Evans flinched.

Of course, it was all a bit of fun but Mickelson will be hoping the composure shown in the trick can be replicated when the tournament kick-starts later this week.

As for Evans, he’ll be thankful that he still remains in one piece.