Phil Mickelson: A history of close calls at the U.S. Open
2004: Retief Goosen and the comeback at Shinnecock
Mickelson’s moment finally came at Augusta National in 2004. Playing in the final group on Sunday, Mickelson held off a surging Ernie Els, making birdie on the 72nd hole for a one-stroke victory. When the green jacket was draped over his shoulders in Butler Cabin, you could see the weight lift off at the same time. Mickelson had finally realized his full potential, and that moment on the 18th green is something he now wears on his shirt each week.
Phil headed to Shinnecock that year brimming with confidence, and he was a strong favorite to complete the first half of the Slam. In 14 starts that year, Mickelson had won twice and had an incredible ten top-ten finishes. He couldn’t wrest control of the World No. 1 ranking from Woods, but it was hard to imagine better form for Lefty.
At the halfway mark, Mickelson held a share of the lead with Shigeki Maruyama, but a Saturday 73 left him two strokes behind Retief Goosen entering the final round.
Goosen, the 2001 U.S. Open champion, was in control for much of the day. Mickelson remained within striking distance, and lit up the crowd with back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 to take a one-stroke lead with two to play.
Goosen, in the final group, answered back with a birdie of his own to share the lead. Mickelson followed up on the par-3 17th with a tee shot into the bunker, masterfully pitching out to within five feet. Then the wheels came off.
Mickelson tapped his par putt high, sending it five feet past the hole. With Goosen standing at the tee box, Lefty sent his comeback bogey putt on the same line, tapping in for double bogey. A pair of closing pars for Goosen would close the door on Mickelson’s valiant comeback.