Phil Turns 52, Shoots 78. Thumbs Up, Standards Down

Phil Mickelson is chasing the final major to complete the Grand Slam, as he has been at the US Open his whole career.

His opening round was played yesterday, which happened to be his 52^nd birthday. After six runner-up finishes in the competition, he is running out of opportunities to capture the trophy.

The birthday celebrations were muted as he limped through the front nine holes in 40, including a four-putt double bogey on the 6^th hole. Sporting ablank cap and shirt, save for his own personal logo, the thumbs up continued and the fans well wishes and encouragement echoed, but it must be said, the finishing total gave little to cheer about.

Embed from Getty Images

A lone birdie on the short par three 11^th was promptly followed by a double bogey on 12. Phil finished with a closing bogey to card an 8-over par 78, in a tie for 146^th.

It was reported that there was an awkward encounter between Phil and Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay today, between the 8^th and 10^th tees, both committed to avoiding eye contact. Bones is Phil’s former caddie, now on the bag for recent PGA winner Justin Thomas.

Phil standing on 8 tee and Bones appears from the hill walking up to 10 tee and I’ve never seen two people try harder not to make eye contact with one another.

JT and Lowry glance at each other and gave each other this face 😬. About as awkward as it gets

— Christopher Powers (@CPowers14) June 16, 2022

Bones would come out on top for the day, his player carding a 1 under par 69 and sitting T15th for his efforts.

Despite his general positive demeanour, Phil will be receiving some stick off the fans, with a few comments reminding him that there is a cut in this event, one which he will almost certainly miss after his 78 today.

Cover Image via Twitter