Mickelson sorry about rules violation

Phil Mickelson apologized, four days after intentionally violating golf rules by hitting a moving ball on the green at the U.S. Open. In a statement, he said: “My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend. I’m embarrassed and disappointed by my actions.” Mickelson was struggling in the third round when he reached the 13th green. His putt slid past the hole and was headed down and likely off the green when he trotted toward the ball and hit it back and off the hole. He then two-putted, was assessed a two-shot penalty for a 10 on the hole and was allowed to complete his round, shooting 81. He then cited strategy for his actions, saying he knew there was a two-stroke penalty but it was better than having to play from off the green.

■ Hall of Famer Hubert Green, who won a U.S. Open playing portions of the final round despite a threat against his life, died Tuesday after a battle with throat cancer. He was 71. Green won the 1977 U.S. Open and the 1985 PGA Championship in a career that included 19 PGA Tour wins and four on the seniors circuit.

Green held a one-stroke lead at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., when he completed the 14th hole of the final round of the U.S. Open. He then was notified by officials they had received a threat saying he’d be shot when he reached the 15th green. Given the choice to clear the course of fans or return the following day, Green played on and captured his first major by one stroke.

■ Peter Thomson, a fivetime British Open winner and the only player in the 20th century to win the tournament for three straight years, died Wednesday at 88. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for more than four years and died at his Melbourne home, Golf Australia said. The first Aussie to win the British Open, Thomson won the event five times between 1954-1965, a record equaled only by Tom Watson. Only Harry Vardon (six titles between 1896-1914) won more.