Golfers react to Mickelson’s actions at US Open
DESPITE an impressive win from Brooks Koepka at the U.S. Open last week, most eyes were on Phil Mickelson and the USGA.
On Saturday, Mickelson chased after his ball as it went toward the 13th hole, hitting it again -- a violation of the rules. The USGA decided not to disqualify Mickelson, instead penalizing him two shots. Mickelson’s actions have been met with mixed reviews from the golf world.
Here’s what some of the golfers preparing for the Travelers Championship had to say about the incident:
Jason Day
“It was definitely disappointing to see, but I just don’t want to see what Phil did and what the USGA did with the golf course overshadow Brooks’ play, because he did play well. ... I mean it’s obviously disappointing to see what Phil did. A lot of people have mixed reviews about what he did.”
“On his part, I don’t think it saved him at all because he ended up walking off with a 10. ... I think a lot of people think it’s funny, but it’s just really unfortunate it happened at the USGA’s tournament where they enforce rules. ... It’s disappointing that that is overshadowing the winner of the whole week. I think if they had it back again, they might’ve chose a different outcome. They’ve got one tournament to set up for the year and, hopefully, they get a better one next year.”
Jordan Spieth
“I laughed. I thought it was really funny. I played with him the first two days, and we talked in depth, and with Rory [ McIlroy], about how they added yardage to the width of the greens and it ‘ allowed for more pins,’ but these pins were kind of un- pinnable or not as fun for anybody, we thought. ... Phil knows the rules. If there was a chance it was going to go back behind the bunker, then he’s got to chip back to where he was going to putt it off the green anyways, then he was potentially saving himself some shots. I mean, if that was the intent, then what’s the harm in that? He’s playing to shoot the best score he can, and I don’t think people thought that was the intent. But, I’ll take his word that was the intent. He knows the rules.”
Keegan Bradley
“Phil has got some of the most integrity of anybody out here. I think what he did was funny. I loved it. I can’t believe people were upset. I don’t think there’s any reason to be upset.”