It’s taken a few days but Phil Mickelson last night issued an apology for his antics during the US Open which brought widespread criticism and sullied his golfing reputation.
The 48-year-old was at the centre of a controversial palaver during Saturday’s third round at Shinnecock Hills when, after hitting a putt that was trundling off the green, he chased after it and hit it again while the ball was still moving.
Under Rule 14-5 he was assessed a two-stroke penalty, although many suggested he should have been disqualified.
However, Mickelson has sent a message to a select group of the United States golf media offering his apologies.
“I know this should’ve come sooner, but it’s taken me a few days to calm down,” it reportedly said. “My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend. I’m embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I’m sorry.”
Jordan Spieth, speaking at this week’s Travelers Championship, said it was disappointing Brooks Koepka’s successful defence of his title had been overshadowed by the Mickelson affair.
He said: “I think it is a shame that the main focus hasn’t been Brooks winning. It has been on the golf course, on players complaining, on Phil. You always want it to be about the person who won.”
In the Amateur Championship at Royal Aberdeen, meanwhile, the Scottish trio of Jeff Wright, Stuart Easton and Sandy Scott progressed through the first day of matchplay.
Wright beat Scottish veteran Euan McIntosh by one hole while Ayrshireman Easton edged out Australian’s Will Heffernan by a similar margin.
Scott, the former Scottish Boys’ Strokeplay champion, eased to a 3&2 win over Germany’s Claudio Consul.
Rory Franssen and John Paterson both exited while No 1 seed, Wilco Nienaber, had a 5&4 win.
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