Phil Mickelson’s US Open ‘dream’ becomes nightmare with LIV Golf star almost dead last at Pinehurst

Phil Mickelson faced a tough start at the US Open on Thursday at Pinehurst No. 2, where the demanding course claimed several notable players, including the LIV Golf star. Mickelson’s hopes of winning the elusive US Open title are diminishing quickly, as he nearly finished last in the field after the first round. At 53, the six-time major champion’s window to achieve a career grand slam is narrowing.

Despite his numerous victories on the PGA Tour, totaling 45 wins, Mickelson has never secured the US Open title, a trophy that has long eluded him despite six runner-up finishes and several agonizing near misses. Reflecting on his career in 2021, Mickelson remarked, “Winning the US Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times. You can’t win if you don’t play.”

Other high-profile golfers also struggled on the course. Viktor Hovland, who was anticipated to be a strong contender after reuniting with swing coach Joe Mayo and showing good form by finishing third at the PGA Championship last month, had a difficult round. Hovland recorded six bogeys and two double bogeys, ending his day with an eight-over-par score of 78, tying him for 139th place.

Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion, found himself out of contention early. He started poorly with three bogeys in his first four holes and finished the day seven-over par, tying for 130th place. World No. 11 Sahith Theegala also had a challenging round, finishing at seven-over par and needing a strong performance to make the cut.

The opening round’s struggles are particularly poignant for Mickelson, who, in the twilight of his career, realizes his chances of winning the US Open are dwindling. His memories of this tournament include many painful moments, with perhaps the most haunting being the 2006 event at Winged Foot. Mickelson, who had a one-shot lead going into the final hole, famously lost in an 18-hole playoff to Geoff Ogilvy, later lamenting, “I just can’t believe I did that. I am such an idiot.”

Pinehurst also holds difficult memories for Mickelson. In 1999, he narrowly lost to Payne Stewart, who secured one of the most iconic major wins of the 20th century by defeating Mickelson by just one shot.

Mickelson will return to the course on Friday at 6:36 p.m. BST, hoping to improve his performance and secure a place for the weekend rounds, striving to keep his dream of winning the US Open alive.