U. S. Open: Phil Mickelson’s Questionable Moments, Ranked

Phil Mickelson’s Grand Slam dreams remain unfulfilled even a decade after his Open Championship win in 2013. The only missing piece in the 53-year-old’s career to become the sixth man to complete the Grand Slam puzzle is the U.S. Open.

Even after making 10 top-10 finishes in his 32 career starts, out of which six times he was the runner-up in this particular major, Mickelson has not been able to put his hand on the silverware masterpiece that the U.S. Open trophy is. Even though he remains devoid of a career Grand Slam, his 32 appearances are no short of some unconventional moments. So what are these?

Unveiling Phil Mickelson’s rough past from the U.S. Open

Lefty’s tryst with the U.S. Open has seen many chapters over the years. After inching incredibly close to a potential win multiple times, all he seems to have obtained is a multitude of almost-missing trophies and some overly questionable moments. Here’s an overview of the top few moments worth nothing.

1. The costly 2013 Merion lightning mishit

Overthinking may have played a role in Phil Mickelson’s performance at the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion. Instead of making full use of a great birdie chance that could solidify his lead, Mickelson seemed more preoccupied with calculating the effects of potential lightning on his game.

All it would have taken was a straightforward wedge shot and a couple of putts on the 100-yard par-3 13th hole for Mickelson to break the tie and take the lead, but the conversation about potential lightning might have affected his focus, leading to a disastrous bogey mishit.

2. The Torrey Pines Driver Deletion

3. The eighth-grade escapade

In a much-debated decision, Mickelson chose to make cross-country travel a part of the 2013 U.S. Open week. The now-53-year-old’s daughter, Amanda Mickelson’s eighth-grade graduation, collided with the majors’ week. Interestingly enough, Mickelson chose to cross countries and travel miles away to attend the ceremony on Wednesday, and flew back to the venue on early Thursday morning.

This decision garnered mixed reactions. On one hand, many applauded Mickelson for this commitment to his family, and on the other, many criticized the six-time major winner, citing the travel as the reason behind Mickelson’s underwhelming performance. However, Mickelson himself did not believe the travel affected his play. As he stated in an interview with ESPN, “It might be abnormal, but it was a normal day for me. I was able to do what I needed to do. I had a great time last night at my daughter’s graduation and then came back.”

4. The disastrous double bogey

The 2006 U.S. was probably one of the most heartbreaking moments of Mickelson’s troubled past with the major. On the final hole, needing only a par to win, Mickelson’s tee shot went far left, hitting a hospitality tent. In place of opting for a rather safe shot back to the fairway, Mickelson’s hero shot turned into a nightmare. Handing over the crown to Geoff Ogilvy instead, Mickelson’s very aggressive approach from the tent culminated in a disastrous double bogey.

5. The 2018 Shinnecock two-stroke penalty

Golf etiquette is the essence of the game. Taking away this essence from the game was Phil Mickelson’s frustration-led moving putt on the 13th green of the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. During the third round, after missing a putt, Mickelson lost his composure and struck a moving ball, which was a violation of the USGA 14-5 rule. The rule states, “A player must not make a stroke at his ball while it is moving.” This led to a two-stroke penalty, barely saving the star from a nightmare of disqualification from the major championship and translating into one of the most controversial moments of his professional golfing career.

Phil Mickelson has undoubtedly had his share of unfortunate moments at the U.S. Open. Despite earning a bizarre record of six runner-up finishes, the event remains his only missing piece towards fulfilling his career Grand Slam dream. It remains to be seen whether the star pro golfer will be able to realize his desire this year or if it will add to his list of questionable moments instead.