Mickelson ‘sorry’ after penalty row
Phil Mickelson has finally broken his silence over his US Open behaviour, admitting that he is “embarrassed and disappointed” by his actions at Shinnecock Hills.
The five-time major winner shocked the golfing world by deliberately hitting a moving ball to stop it from rolling off the 13th green in the third round.
That incurred a two-shot penalty under Rule 14-5 when many felt Mickelson should have either been disqualified under Rule 1-2 or withdrawn himself. He then provoked further anger by raising his arms in mock celebration after holing a putt on the same green in the last round.
“I know this should’ve come sooner, but it’s taken me a few days to calm down,” said Mickelson in an apology sent to a select group of US golf writers.
“My anger and frustration got the best of me… I’m embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I’m sorry.”
Open champion Justin Spieth said it was a “shame” the controversy had shifted the focus from Brooks Koepka claiming back-toback US Open titles. But, looking forward to his Claret Jug defence at Carnoustie next month, the American added: “I think that it will be controversy-free.”
Five of the world’s current top 20 have now been confirmed for next month’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open after Tommy Fleetwood added his name to a starstudded cast for Gullane.
The Englishman, who won the Race to Dubai last season and finished runner-up to Brooks Koepka in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday, joins Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Henrik Stenson and Hideki Matsuyama from the world’s elite in commiting to the $7 million Rolex Series event.
“There have been a lot of positives from this season so far and I’m looking forward to an exciting summer, with the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open a key part of it,” said the world No 10 of the 12-15 July event. “It’s always an enjoyable week, and the Scottish golf fans create a fantastic atmosphere but it’s also a great opportunity to prepare for the Open Championship.
“After coming so close in the US last week, I am more determined than ever to go one better in a major championship, so I’m looking forward to what I hope will be two good weeks on the links in July.”
Fleetwood is in Germany this week for the BMW International Open, which sees Stephen Gallacher tee up for the first time with his 17-yearold son, Jack, as his new caddie. “Not only is he my son but he knows my game inside out and has travelled to events with me for years so I don’t see it being a problem for him at all,” said the three-time European Tour winner.
“It will be the physical side of the job that he will get used to more than anything.
“We get on well together, he’s a good golfer himself and it will be good experience for him all round. I think it is going to be a great partnership for both of us.”