PHIL OF REGRET
US star faces calls to be thrown out after putting row
PHIL MICKELSON lost the plot with an astonishing moment of madness at the US Open.
The veteran stunned viewers when he skipped across the 13th green to chase a missed putt, and then casually knocked it back towards the hole – while the ball was still moving.
That offence cops an automatic twoshot penalty, but there were calls for Mickelson to be disqualified for deliberately breaching the rules. He finished 11 over for an 81 to lie 17 over par going into today’s final round.
The sight of an experienced multiple Major winner messing about on one of the biggest stages in the game shocked his peers – including his English playing partner Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston.
Observers suspect Mickelson’s antics were a protest against the USGA over the tough set-up of Shinnecock Hills punishing greens.
But that didn’t cut any ice on a day when plenty of other players shot low scores, while the frustration for Phil proved too much.
For so long a fans favourite in the New York area, this incident will damage his reputation – just as John Daly copped condemnation when he did a similar thing at the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul Azingesaid: “I have never seen anything like that from a world-class player in my life.”
Meanwhile, Jim Furyk fears over-confidence could see America’s Ryder Cup hopes in the rough. The US skipper is worried the dominance of his countrymen in the Majors will lead to complacency come September’s clash in Paris.
All four Majors are in the hands of Americans in Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and defending US Open champion, Brooks Koepka.
Furyk said: “By the time we get to September this situation is not going to be the case. I wouldn’t bet on the next three Majors being won by Americans.
“As good as our team looks, the European team is really strong with the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm, who has a shot of being World No.1.”