Phil Mickelson has insisted that he can still be in the mix for Major titles as his 'love and desire' for the game remains "as strong as it's ever been".

The 46-year-old battled hard for The Open at Royal Troon a fortnight ago but ultimately fell three shots short as Henrik Stenson claimed the title.

Mickelson revealed that he had been inspired by the performance of veteran Bernhard Langer at The Masters in April, which saw him enter the final round just two strokes off the lead.

"I think that Bernhard Langer at 56 or 57 was in the final two groups group at The Masters," Mickelson told Sky Sports News. "That would be the one that would be probably the most difficult because length being such a big factor, yet he's doing it in his mid-50s.

"I don't know what would hold me back, and I'm starting to play some really good golf again. Physically I don't have any issues to worry about right now. We'll probably assess it a little more in the off season to try to gain a little bit more strength and speed, but for the most part I've been able to really practice and work as hard I need to to play at a high level. I don't know what would hold me back.

"It seems as though my love for the game and desire is as strong as it's ever been. I think that this year has taken me a year to get my game back after two and a half years of really struggling. The only thing that's missing is the final result, but it's been very close. Certainly my play this year at Troon tells me that I'm still able to play at a high level. I'm starting to see my game come back. I'm excited about where my game is."

Mickelson has five Major titles to his name, the most recent coming at The Open in 2013.