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U.S. Open Power Rankings: Top 10 contenders at Shinnecock Hills

By Mike Randleman

The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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SOUTHAMPTON, NY – JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson looks over the 16th green during the first round of the 104th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 17, 2004 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, NY – JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson looks over the 16th green during the first round of the 104th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 17, 2004 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Phil’s infamous for his close calls at the U.S. Open. Lefty’s got six runner-up finishes in this event, one coming in 2004 when he was outdueled by Retief Goosen.

In 1995, MIckelson finished T4 at Shinnecock. It’s apparent he likes the place, and is on board with the recent changes to the course.

"“I think this year’s U.S. Open is the greatest setup going in that I have seen in my 25-whatever years of playing the U.S. Open,” Mickelson said after the Memorial. “It will reward the best player as opposed to having luck be a big element on some of the bounces in the fairway, bounces around the green, how it comes out of the rough, so forth. Skill is going to be the primary factor this week.”"

The fact that he’s locked in should be a green light compared to years where he’s soured on the layout.

Mickelson posted bookend scores of 66 and 65 to tie for 12th at last week’s FedEx St. Jude Classic. The week before at Memorial, he was T13.

In 2018, Mickelson has a win against an elite field at the WGC-Mexico Championship, a T2 at Pebble Beach and five top-10s (as many as he had all of 2017).

Phil’s 10th on Tour in strokes gained on approaches and is second in putting. He’s not hitting a ton of greens, but his proximity from the fairway (19th) and rough (28th) are superb, as is his short game (first in sand saves, ninth from inside 30 yards).

The window to complete the career grand slam is closing. It’s put up or shut up time for Phil, and by the way he’s playing, expect a good showing this week.

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