Phil Mickelson makes drastic shift as final U.S. | Golf News

Phil Mickelson could have performed his final U.S. Open, exiting Oakmont in quiet frustration after lacking the cut post a tumultuous week that includes errant pictures and a pre-tournament controversy sparked by his own important feedback.

Just before teeing off, the six-time main winner took to social media to criticize Oakmont’s workers for their tough upkeep, exclaiming in a fiery post, “They’re not working. They’re not cutting s—!” His phrases echoed a growing discontent with Oakmont’s notoriously difficult tough that has traditionally examined golfers’ limits.

By Friday night, Mickelson discovered himself among a number of distinguished gamers who did not make it previous the midway level, posting a two-round rating of +8. He joined the ranks of defending champion Bryson DeChambeau and different notable names who also missed the cut.

In a departure from his traditional outspoken demeanor, Mickelson selected not to converse to the press post-round, leaving the course in silence. This marked a stark distinction to his career-long fame as an expressive determine on the tour.

Mickelson’s lack of post-failure commentary and his earlier social media outburst drew blended reactions. Some criticized his venting as a veteran’s exasperation overshadowing his experience, while others supported his candid criticism of the punishing course situations.

The formidable Oakmont challenged gamers with its slender fairways, daunting tough, and treacherous greens, taking a toll on seasoned golfers like Mickelson.

Golf analyst Paul Gow prefaced the occasion with, “Oakmont is one of the hardest golf courses in the world. The rough is nice and deep so there’s an emphasis on hitting it on the fairway.”

However, Mickelson ruffled feathers when he criticized the grounds crew’s upkeep practices mere “just hours” before commencing his quest for a maiden U.S. Open title.

For Phil Mickelson, the strain was monumental. Nearing 54, with his sixth U.S. Open runner-up end still stinging, the elusive profession Grand Slam appears more and more unattainable. His miss on a birdie putt at the 18th during Round Two marked the tip of his reside play this event.

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As the competitors advances into its latter levels, the main target transitions from scandals to scores. Questions linger about Mickelson post-tournament: had been his pre-event outbursts warranted expressions of vexation, or indicators of a distinguished profession fraying at the sides?

One actuality stands indeniable: this U.S. Open will likely be famous not for Mickelson’s prowess but quite for his candid criticism forward of the event and the following silence that spoke volumes.