Phil Mickelson is not typically known as one of golf’s maverick figures. But the American star once found himself in hot water with officials at the US Open after staging a remarkable meltdown.
The six-time Major winner has won dozens of titles in his car but never experienced success where it matters most at his home tournament. The US Open has eluded Mickelson throughout his 32-year professional career and on one occasion, his frustrations boiled over.
At the 2018 tournament in Shinnock Hills, Mickelson knew his chances of success were all but over after struggling to adapt to the quickness of the green. His approach shot to the green on the 13th hole – having already been on four-over-par – was wild and overhit, leading to a fiendishly difficult downhill putt.
Broadcasters were left astonished, commenting: “Wow, that’s stunning”, after watching Mickelson effectively circumvent the rules that most golfers abide by.
As for the actual written rules, golfers are hit with a two-shot penalty for such a deliberate act. However, Mickelson was unmoved in his response to anyone irritated with his actions, explaining why his move was premeditated.
