Woes continue for Mickelson

Phil Mickelson’s quest for the career Grand Slam will have to wait for Oakmont 12 months from now.

Mickelson concluded a disappointing week at Chambers Bay with a 73 in the final round, making double bogey on the 72nd hole.

Mickelson never was in contention after the first nine holes as he tried to add the U.S. Open to his titles at the Masters, British Open and PGA Championship. Mickelson has been the runner-up six times at the U.S. Open.

Mickelson played his first nine at Chambers Bay in 3 under par and the final 63 holes in 16 over.

“It was fun to play here,” he said. “The community helped run a really first-class event, and I wish I had played better.”

Mickelson was considered a favorite because of his imagination around the challenging greens of Chambers Bay, and he heeded the message of USGA executive director Mike Davis by getting a good look at the course before the arrival of tournament week.

But he struggled with his iron play, hitting only 43 of 72 greens in regulation.

Mickelson noted after his round Saturday that he had yet to make a double bogey despite his inability to score low.

That double bogey finally arrived on his last hole of the tournament — his dubious farewell to Chambers Bay.