Mickelson rues missed putts after missing cut
Mickelson was one of a host of big name players to miss the cut at the US Open Saturday, as Oakmont proved to be as tough as the pre-tournament predictions.
Also missing the US Open cut were former champions Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Ernie Els, while fan's favourite Rickie Fowler also failed to make the grade.
Mickelson, who came into Oakmont looking to complete a career Grand Slam, finished at seven over, one shot too high.
Instead of whining, Mickelson was circumspect with his comments about the punishing Oakmont course.
“I felt like it was a very fair set-up. If you played well, there were pins you could get to. You could make some birdies, said the five-time major winner.
“I actually thought I played really well except I let four or five par putts kind of slide. You can’t do that here because you don’t have those birdie opportunities to offset those mistakes.
“My irons were just a fraction off. Instead of hitting it 15 feet, giving myself chances, I’m 30 feet, 40 feet and fighting just to make par,” he added.
McIlroy, meanwhile, has been struggling for form in recent months. He carded a one-over par 71, which added to his first round 77, left him two over the cut-off point.
Fowler missed the cut at the US Open for the second-straight year after finishing 11 over, but didn’t appear too disheartened.
"I felt like I drove it well in the practice rounds," Fowler said. "Yeah, just struggled to kind of get the confidence built up and just go out there and trust it. So made some good swings today, though, some not so good."
Latest
-
GolfRory McIlroy starts slowly in Memphis as he bids to regain world number one spot
The Northern Irishman needs to win to reclaim the world number one spot from Jon Rahm.
-
ScotlandMiguel Angel Jimenez among the Spaniards to impress in first round of Hero Open
The 56-year-old, who is already the oldest winner on Tour, shot a 64 to claim a share of second place.
-
GolfRory McIlroy relishing busy schedule: ‘This is the time to play well’
Rory McIlroy is excited about the jam-packed schedule that lies ahead.
-
GolfBrooks Koepka struggling for form ahead of title defence in Memphis
The American is now sixth in the world rankings.
-
ScotlandHero Open hopeful Eddie Pepperell turns to old putter after ditching cursed club
The world number 89 blamed a new putter as he laboured to a closing round of 77 at the British Masters.
-
ScotlandJon Rahm targets lengthy spell as world number one
Rahm replaced Rory McIlroy at the top of the rankings following his victory in the Memorial Tournament.
-
GolfMichael Thompson on ‘whirlwind of emotions’ after first win in seven years
Seven years of hard work paid off in spectacular fashion for Michael Thompson at the 3M Open on Sunday.
-
GolfMichael Thompson holds his nerve to triumph at 3M Open in Minnesota
Thompson carded birdies at the 16th and the last to secure his second PGA Tour win of his career.
-
GolfWerenski shares lead in Minnesota after Thompson stumbles
Tom Lewis, the only Briton to make the cut, will start the final round eight shots off the lead.
-
ScotlandRenato Paratore sees hard work pay off with British Masters victory
The 23-year-old won a second European Tour title.