BROOKLINE, Mass. — During his very awkward Monday press conference at the U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson was asked one golf-related question, and the answer he gave was the most forthcoming of any he offered. How would Mickelson prepare for this week’s major, the one that’s eluded him for his entire career, after having played just one tournament in the last four months (the controversial LIV Golf event in London)?
“I think it was important for me to have a little bit of competitive golf last week and identify some of the areas of weakness. It was one of the worst putting tournaments I’ve had in years,” Mickelson said. “I spent time yesterday addressing that, which is why I basically putted the whole day on the course. In the offseason I actually made some strides ball-striking-wise, and I’m fairly optimistic there, but it will be a real challenge.”
Unfortunately, any work he put in early in the week seems to have been for naught. As he started his first round on Thursday at The Country Club, Mickelson, celebrating his 52nd birthday, was struggling mightily on the greens. He bogeyed three of his first five holes, taking 10 putts.
Then came the par-3 sixth, where Mickelson hit his approach shot to 12 feet. Finally, a birdie opportunity.
But Phil got too aggressive with the effort, racing it four feet by. And then the real fun began. His par putt scooted three feet by, and then the comebacker for bogey lipped out.
The USGA didn’t share the video of this, but here’s the damage as seen on his scorecard on the website.
And here’s the expression on his face after walking off the green.
Mickelson had pars on his next two holes, but eight holes, Mickelson ranked last in strokes gained/putting at -4.25 and last in number of putts with a 2.25 average (the field being 1.65).
Yep, not the birthday present he was looking for.
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