Phil Mickelson will still be eligible to contest next year’s US Open but after easily missing the Brookline cut, one wonders in this now uncertain golfing climate and at an age when he will be 53, whether he will be seen next year at the host Los Angeles Country Club for the 123rd hosting of the major.
While Mickelson enjoyed returning to the Boston course and endearing himself to the fans, rounds of 78 and 73 left the now 52-year-old hopelessly missing the halfway cut at 11-over-par.
This week was Mickelson’s 31st U.S. Open since his debut as an amateur in 1990, and in a major where he has finished runner-up on six occasions as he strove to capture the one major to have so agonisingly not come to his possession.
It is also the second occasion in the past three U.S. Open’s he has missed the cut with a double-digit over par 36 holes, and while it is also only his second event since last February, Mickelson simply struggled in most departments of the game.Looking at the two scorecards, he recorded just three birdies but also 10 bogeys and two double-bogeys.
Statistics-wise, Mickelson was 156th in ‘Driving Distance’ on day one with an average drive of 267-yards, and then at the end of his second round he was 103rd in ‘Driving Distance’ with an average drive of 292-yards.
“It was spectacular to come back to such a historic course, and I thought the setup was remarkable”, said Mickelson. “Just really showcased what a special place this is.
“The fans here have always been terrific, and they really support all sports, and I love it when we bring golf here because they create a really special atmosphere.
“My play today was okay. I had a good day. I have missed competing, but I also enjoyed some time away.
“I enjoyed the week. Wish I had played better”.
This week will also, and at this stage unless there is a dramatic reconciliation, be the last time Mickelson will be sighted this year in a PGA Tour counting event given all those who signed with LIV Golf have either been suspended by the PGA Tour or have resigned their membership.
The next LIV event commences on June 30th at the Pumpkin Ridge golf club in Portland, Oregon. Pumpkin Ridge opened in 1992 and has hosted numerous events on the LPGA circuit over the years. It hosted the U.S. Women’s Open in 1997 and 2003 while also serving as the home of the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2006.
Additionally, the U.S. Men’s Amateur was held at Pumpkin Ridge in 1996. Tiger Woods defeated Steve Scott in that event to win his third consecutive amateur title.
There are two 18-hole courses on the Pumpkin Ridge golf club property. The “Ghost Creek” course is a Par-71 track that is 6,839 yards long. The “Witch Hollow” course is a Par-72 that is 7,017 yards long. LIV Golf has yet to clarify at which course the tournament will be held.
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