It seems wherever Phil Mickelson goes, drama follows, after a fan at this week’s US Open was left clutching his face after being struck by one of Lefty’s stray shots. Mickelson was back competing on American soil for the first time since the fallout surrounding his allegiances to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
Back in February, the 52-year-old branded the state of Saudi Arabia as ‘scary mother f*****s’ due to their human rights record, but implied he was willing to look past this and compete on the breakaway circuit in order to gain ‘leverage’ over the PGA Tour.
His return at Brookline was met with cheers from the Massachusetts crowd, despite his once glittering legacy seemingly being left in tatters.
In spite of the initial support, one fan was left less than impressed with the six-time major winner on day two of the third major of the campaign after one of Mickelson’s wayward shots struck him. Following the incident, the spectator was left in some discomfort on the floor clutching his face.
Following the errant tee shot, Mickelson made his way over to the fan in question to check all was OK, before returning to the action. His errant shot just about summed up a week to forget for the 52-year-old, whose return to the PGA Tour was a dismal one.
Mickelson kicked off his week at Brookline in terrible fashion, after carding a horrendous eight-over-par 78 in his opening round, which included a terrible four-putt from short range at the par three sixth. Day two for the American was all about limiting the damage, and whilst he made some improvement, he still carded a three-over 73 to leave him at +11 and well off the cut line.
After being the name on the lips of everyone at the Country Club this week, Mickelson made a quick getaway from the Massachusetts course soon after signing his second round card. The six-time major champion told a group of US outlets, including the New York Post : “I enjoyed getting back out there,” before making a swift exit.
Mickelson’s next outing is expected to come in Portland at the end of the month in the second LIV Golf Invitational Series event, after Lefty - alongside the rest of the Saudi rebels - was issued a suspension from the PGA Tour after linking up with the controversial Saudi-backed circuit.
