Phil Mickelson responds to critics after US Open meltdown: 'Toughen up'
This probably wasn’t the way Phil Mickelson wanted to spend his 48th birthday.
Lefty figured he’d be making a charge up the leaderboard, putting himself in position to win the championship he most wants — the U.S.Open.
Instead, he let frustration get the best of him, and put himself in position to face a torrent of criticism.
A remarkable sequence on Hole 13, where Phil Mickelson was assessed a two-stroke penalty for hitting a moving ball and ended up making a 10 on the hole. pic.twitter.com/kx6ieYiOGR
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2018
By now, you’ve seen the video from the 13th hole Saturday, when Mickelson misses a putt, then jogs over to the ball and putts it again … while the ball was still moving.
That infraction earned Mickelson a two-shot penalty, for a final score of 10 on the scorecard.
Mickelson admitted his frustration. At 48 years old, time is running out for him to complete his career Grand Slam.
The course setup at Shinnecock Hills for Saturday’s third round was so difficult, even USGA officials admitted they didn’t make it a fair test for players, especially given the wind.
“We would say it was a very tough test, but it was too tough this afternoon,” said USGA executive director Mike Davis.
Mickelson was fully aware that what he did was against the rules — specifically rule 14.5, regarding playing a moving ball.
“I’ve thought about doing the same thing many times in my career,” Mickelson said. “I just did it this time. It was something I did to take advantage of the rules as best I can.”
In fact, given the speed of the greens, one could argue it was a smart move for Mickelson. His ball was about to roll off the green. If that happened, he’d have to chip it back toward the hole and likely would have needed at least two more putts. Even without a penalty, he might have carded a 10. But the possibility exists he would have needed more shots.
Of course, social media caught on fire.
Just for the record: taking advantage of the rules means you do something WITHIN the rules that helps you. It does not mean you BREAK a rule–which Mickelson did–because you believe it helps you.
— John Feinstein (@FeinsteinBooks_) June 17, 2018
No excuse for that from Mickelson…how is he allowed to continue? Who knows where the ball would have ended up…
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) June 16, 2018
That was pathetic from Mickelson. He should be disqualified
— James Corrigan (never had a blue tick) (@jcorrigangolf) June 16, 2018
After the round, Mickelson offered an apology — sort of.
“I didn’t mean it disrespectfully, but if you’re going to take it that way, that’s not on me,” Mickelson said. “I’m sorry you’re taking it that way.”
When offered a chance by Golf Magazine’s Alan Shipnuck to further explain, Lefty declined.
Phil Mickelson, unrepentant: pic.twitter.com/93ebhbSvKS
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) June 16, 2018
Mickelson offered these parting words about a birthday he’ll never forget.
“If somebody is offended, I apologize to them,” he said. “But toughen up because this is not meant that way.”
Mickelson finished Saturday’s round with a U.S. Open career-worst tying 81. He rebounded Sunday with a 1-under par 69 to finish the tournament at 16-over par.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
