Phil Mickelson was left red-faced on his return to the PGA Tour, following a nightmare four-putt at this week’s US Open at the Country Club, Brookline. Mickelson is making his first start on American soil since being embroiled in the saga surrounding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.
After leaving his once glittering legacy in tatters, Mickelson was greeted positively on the first tee in Massachusetts, with a number of cheers coming from the gallery as the 52-year-old got his return underway. Despite having the fans onside though, one thing that wasn’t was his usually flawless short game.
The opening stages of his comeback were difficult for Mickelson, as the six-time major champion found himself three-over through five holes after bogeys at one, three and five.
What was to come next though proved even more calamitous for the American star , after he remarkably four-putted on the par-three sixth to rub salt into the wounds. As a result, Mickelson found the green with a neat shot into the par three, leaving him a more than makeable putt for birdie.
His birdie attempt flew by the hole though, leaving the American a nervy four-footer to now save par. Uncharacteristically Lefty then dragged his attempt wide of the mark, leaving himself with a putt of equal measure across the other side of the hole.
With the situation clearly getting to him, Mickelson once again missed from inside five feet, before eventually tapping in for a double bogey five in a catastrophic minute or so for the six-time major winner. Looking as shocked as anyone, the 52-year-old - who was out competing on his birthday - trudged his way to the seventh tee in disbelief.
For a man usually so impressive on and around the greens, it was no doubt a start to forget for Mickelson, who played a staggering 14 putts across his first six holes. The American headed over to the seventh five-over par through his opening six. He then looked to steady the ship by carding three straight pars to leave him five-over through his first nine holes.
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Heading into the event the 52-year-old’s name was the one on everybody's lips following his controversies with Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed Series. After 30 years and 45 wins on the PGA Tour, Mickelson - along with the rest of the LIV Golf rebels - were issued suspensions for taking part in the breakaway circuit.
Speaking ahead of this week’s event though, the American believes his banning order is unfair. He said: “I’ve worked hard to earn a lifetime membership. I’ve worked hard to give back to the PGA Tour and the game of golf throughout my 30-plus years of professional golf, and I’ve earned that lifetime membership, so I believe it should be my choice.”
