Mickelson's US Open Ends How It Started
BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Phil Mickelson's U.S. Open ended where it began, in the same body of water.
On his last hole of the championship Sunday, Mickelson stood in a greenside bunker launched a rainbow that splashed on the fly, some 15 feet beyond the other side of the peninsula green. Even the adoring gallery that had cheered so loudly during his walk up the fairway couldn't help but let out a collective giggle.
After two unsuccessful drops on the steep lakeside slope, he had to place the ball and chip back toward the pin, where he made a 6-footer for double bogey to finish an even par round of 71 and a 7-over total of 291.
"That bunker's not an easy spot to be in today," Mickelson said, "and I hit a poor shot on top of it."
The lake also received Mickelson's opening shot in his first round on Thursday, when he started on the nearby par 3 10th and left his tee shot well short. He double bogeyed that hole as well.
Mickelson's 69 on Friday was his only round under par on a course receptive for U.S. Open scores lower than the norm.
"I thought that the soft conditions obviously made it a little bit easier than everybody had hoped, but the setup was wonderful," he said. "I just didn't play how I'd hoped."
After his round, Mickelson walked past the putting green and spotted runaway leader Rory McIlroy, who had yet to tee off for the final round.
"Play well," said Mickelson, who then gave McIlroy's caddie a thumbs-up.
"You could tell that Rory's had this type of talent in him for some time now," Mickelson said, "and to see him putting it together is pretty neat to see."
