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U.S. Open Unkind to Phil Mickelson Once Again

By Tim Letcher

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) on June 17, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) on June 17, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Phil Mickelson has had a storied, Hall of Fame career in the world of professional golf. His resume only has one missing element – a U.S. Open title.

Heading into this week, 121st U.S. Open, the stars seemed to be aligning for Lefty. He was coming off of a surprise win at the PGA Championship last month at Kiawah Island. This year’s U.S. Open was being played not far from where Mickelson grew up. And he has obviously been playing very good golf.

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But that one bugaboo, that one missing element, bit Mickelson again on Thursday. Playing at Torrey Pines, Mickelson was assigned to the back nine first.

On the par-4 10th hole, Mickelson hit his opening drive right. That would ultimately lead to his first bogey of the day.

After pars on the 11th and 12th holes, Mickelson found more trouble at the 13th. His drive again went right, and his second shot went way left. That would eventually lead to another bogey, leaving Lefty at 2-over par.

He would par the 14th hole before having more issues.

On the 15th hole, Lefty hit his drive to the left. He punched out with his second and his third got him on the green. But he would miss the par putt and would fall to 3-over on his round.

Mickelson would birdie the 17th hole to get one shot back. However, he would finish his first nine at 2-over par.

As he moved to the front side, not much was happening with Mickelson’s round.

He would par the first five holes on his second nine, staying at 2-over par on his round. Then, when things changed, they did not change for the better.

At the par-4 sixth hole, Mickelson drove it in the fairway but missed the green with his second. His chip got him within reasonable distance to make a par, but he missed the putt, suffering a bogey.

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The seventh hole was nearly a carbon copy of the sixth. He drove it in the fairway but missed the green with his second. And again, he was unable to get up-and-down, suffering another bogey.

That’s where Mickelson would finish his round, with a 4-over par 76. Not only is he not in contention after day one – he will also need something decent to happen on Friday just to make the cut.

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