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Golf great Phil Mickelson is gearing up for his last US Open run in Oakmont CC. The six-time major champion holds considerable records in this prestigious golf major. However, Mickelson once apologised for breaking a rule in the U.S. Open.
The third major golf championship of the year features a global arena where golfers from all over the world compete. Phil Mickelson competed in his 27th US Open at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, and on June 16, during the third round, he committed a violation.
After hitting the shot for the par-4 hole 13, Mickelson did not like how it landed on the green. He deliberately tried to stop it from where it was heading, and struck it back towards the hole. Phil Mickelson's actions violated the USGA's Rule 14-5, triggering a two-shot penalty.
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The veteran golfer reportedly sent this message to some US Golf media members (as reported by The Guardian):
"I know this should’ve come sooner, but it’s taken me a few days to calm down. My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend."
"I’m embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I’m sorry," he added.
Several golfers, including former US PGA champion Steve Elkington, reportedly asked for Phil Mickelson's disqualification, but USGA Official John Bodenhammer turned them down.
While speaking to the press, Bodenhammer made it clear that Phil Mickelson did not trigger Rule 1-2 since he "played a moving ball." According to USGA Chief Executive Mike Davis, Mickelson telephoned him later, asking about his probable disqualification status.
Following the incident, Mickelson ended up scoring 11-over par 81. In the final round, he scored 69, taking his 2018 US Open total to 16-over par 296.
What did other golfers say about Phil Mickelson's US Open violation?
Phil Mickelson's violation triggered a whirlwind of reactions on the field and off the course. Fans reacted on social media and voiced their opinions, and professional golfers also shared their thoughts.
Rory McIlroy shared a lighthearted note regarding Mickelson's 2018 US Open incident. He said (quoted by the Washington Post):
"Honestly, I laughed. Knowing Phil, he knew what he was doing, and as a player who has been in that head space before in a tournament, I can see it happening."
While talking to the press, Jordan Spieth also claimed that it was a funny incident. He subtly defended Mickelson and explained that the veteran golfer knew what he was doing.
"There was a chance it was going to go back behind the bunker and he’s got to chip back, or he was going to play off the green ... he was potentially saving himself a shot. So if that was the intent, then what’s the harm in that? He’s playing the best score he can," he explained.
However, Jason Day worried more about the Mickelson saga overshadowing Brooks Koepka's incredible achievement. Koepka successfully defended his 2017 US Open title. He finished the golf major with 281 (+1), hence becoming the seventh player to win consecutive US Open titles.
