PGA champion Phil Mickelson described as a “special moment” Southampton golfer Richard Bland’s British Masters victory – as the pair get set to tee it up at the US Open this week.

Bland’s success in the event at the Belfry last month prompted an outpouring of support on social media, following his play-off triumph over Guido Migliozzi.

It also earned the 48-year-old a place at Torrey Pines this week, via a mini order of merit.

Mickelson, 50, himself said he would “cherish forever” his own extraordinary victory in the US PGA Championship last month, after becoming the oldest major champion in history.

But the six-time major winner was full of respect for Bland’s persistence, having waited 478 events to seal success.

“That’s a pretty impressive win he had,” said Mickelson, when speaking about avid Saints fan Bland.

“To stay at it, work hard as long as he did to have that breakthrough – it’s an awesome feeling and I’m really, really happy for him.

“It’s a special moment.”

Bland is set to begin his opening round at the US Open tomorrow, alongside Americans Chez Reavie and Troy Merritt. He tees off at 8.52pm UK time.

The prize purse for the major championship totals $12.5million.