WATCH: Phil Mickelson’s Infamous Brain Fade Moment That Angered a Lot of Fans at the 2018 U.S. Open

Phil Mickelson and the U.S. Open do not go well together. And his infamous decision to break the rules purposely at the 2018 U.S. Open gave him plenty of criticism. He almost received a disqualification from the USGA for this act. Meanwhile, Mickelson was celebrating his 48th birthday and was competing in the third round of the 2018 U.S. Open.

On the 13th green, Phil had around 18 feet downhill to putt for a bogey. The golfer had already made five bogeys in the last eight holes. Hence, Mickelson made the putt, which sadly rolled past the hole, and the ball was all set to roll off the green. But Phil quickly ran after the ball and made another putt while the ball was in motion.

Therefore, he saved the ball from rolling down the green. However, this act is against the rules, and the USGA gave him a two-stroke penalty, and he eventually finished that hole with a 10.

Phil Mickelson explains why he played the moving ball on purpose

Phil Mickelson received plenty of backlash from the media and fans. Moreover, a few fans even demanded to disqualify the golfer from the major championship. But Mickelson clarified the purpose of breaking the rules.

“Look, I mean no disrespect by anybody,” said Phil. “I know it’s a two-shot penalty, and at the time, I just didn’t feel like going back and forth and hitting the same shot over. I took the two-shot penalty and moved on. It’s my understanding of the rules. I’ve had multiple times where I’ve wanted to do that. I just finally did,” revealed Mickelson.

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Meanwhile, few people believe Phil has used the rules to his advantage. He received a penalty of only two strokes, but if he had let the ball roll, we may never know where it would have stopped. Hence, getting to the green from that spot and then making the putt would have added a few more strokes.

Therefore, taking a two-stroke penalty was a clever way to take advantage of the rules. And even Phil admitted the same. “It’s certainly not meant that way. It’s meant to take advantage of the rules as best as you can. In that situation, I was just going back and forth. I would gladly take the two shots over continuing that display,” Phil said.

But, after facing criticism, the six-time major championship winner apologized to fans. Moreover, a few fans believe the USGA needs to introspect this rule and make some modifications. So what do you think about this whole situation? Should the USGA change the law? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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