Sports

Phil Mickelson’s US Open ‘dream’ becomes nightmare with LIV Golf star almost dead last at Pinehurst

Phil Mickelson endured a day to forget at the US Open on Thursday as Pinehurst No. 2 claimed several high-profile victims, with the LIV Golf star’s “dream” fading fast

Phil Mickelson’s “dreams” of winning the US Open are fading fast after the LIV Golf star finished his opening round almost dead last in the field at Pinehurst No. 2.

Glory has eluded the six-time major champion in his national open throughout his career, with six runner-up finishes and some agonising near misses along the way. At 53 years old, time is fast running out for Lefty to complete the career grand slam.

The 45-time PGA Tour winner has not given up hope of lifting the US Open Championship Trophy before he calls time on his career. He said in 2021: “Winning the US Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times. You can’t win if you don’t play.”

But his hopes are over for another year after carding a brutal nine-over-par opening round in North Carolina on Thursday, leaving him in a tie for 146th out of the 156-man field.

Mickelson, who has not won since his triumph in the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island three years ago, failed to card a single birdie on Friday, with nine bogeys to his name including each of his first four holes of the tournament.

Mickelson faces an uphill battle just to make the cut on Friday, starting the day 14 shots behind leaders Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay. But he was not the only player to be exposed by the difficulty of Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday.

Mickelson appeared disgusted by his performance ( Image: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Viktor Hovland was hotly tipped to contend this week after reuniting with swing coach Joe Mayo and finding form in recent weeks, finishing third at last month’s PGA Championship. But the Norwegian endured a miserable day, carding six bogeys and two doubles en route to an eight-over-par round of 78, putting him in a tie for 139th.

Justin Thomas, too, quickly played his way out of contention. The two-time major champion started with three bogeys in his opening four holes and his round spiralled out of control, finishing tied for 130th at seven-over par. World No. 11 Sahith Theegala also has plenty of work to do to make the cut after going round in seven-over.

But the pain of the opening round will be particularly acute for Mickelson, who is in the twilight of his career and knows he has very few chances left of winning his most coveted prize. He has many grim memories at this tournament in the back of his mind.

Perhaps the most troublesome is the 2006 edition at Winged Foot, when he blew a one-shot lead at the last and lost in an 18-hole playoff to Geoff Ogilvy. “I just can’t believe I did that,” he said at the time. “I am such an idiot.”

Mickelson also has a difficult history at Pinehurst, losing out by one shot when Payne Stewart claimed one of the most iconic major wins of the 20th century in 1999.

Mickelson will be back out on the course at 6.36pm BST on Friday, as he hopes to salvage a chance to play the weekend.

Related Posts

Jakub Vrana thrilled with warm reception from loud fans as he makes return after 3 years

Jakub Vrana’s determination to revive his career with the Capitals (Source: Imagn) Jakub Vrana received a warm and loud welcome from fans as he returned to the ice….

23-year-old Arber Xhekaj responds to humorous question of being one of the oldest Habs D-men

Arber Xhekaj hilariously addresses being one of the oldest Habs D-men at 23 years old. (Image Source: Imagn) Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj recently commented about being one of…

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is ‘feeling good’ as he returns to practice post upper-body injury

Captain Auston Matthews is back after a minor upper body injury (Credit: IMAGN) Auston Matthews returned to practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday after missing a few days…

Magic Johnson’s Bold Advice: What He Wants the Lakers to Do with Bronny James Next Season

Magic Johnson does not think Bronny James is yet ‘ready’ for NBA action with the Lakers, and advised his ex-team to take a patient approach with the rookie. James, the…

¿Messi o Ronaldo? Pelé revela su elección para el mejor jugador de la historia

Pelé dio una respuesta perfecta cuando se le pidió elegir entre Lionel Messi y Cristiano Ronaldo en el eterno debate sobre quién es el mejor jugador de todos…

Rival Faces Major Setback with 10-Place Penalty as Lewis Hamilton Receives ‘Dangerous’ Warning

Daniel Ricciardo finally lost his F1 seat with VCARB on Thursday after weeks of speculation linking him with an exit. At the age of 35, Max Verstappen’s former Red Bull team-mate looks unlikely to…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *