Mickelson has embraced his status as a tragic hero for many years. Even though he conceded the 2002 U.S. Open to Tiger Woods, he still received the title of "People's Champ." There was some compassion for his dramatic 72nd hole meltdown when he threw away the 2006 edition at Winged Foot.
Many people have lost the U.S. Open, but none in as many different ways or as frequently as they did.
Lefty's pursuit of the one thing that stood in his way of golf immortality felt hopeless for years. The air was drained from the room after playing ping-pong with a moving ball in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills, where he finished sixth six times. Golf's rules might be excruciatingly stern, but that was a line even the casual fan couldn't and wouldn't allow.
But then, given the current scenario in a broken professional world, shorting yourself in pursuit of the career Grand Slam appears trite in retrospect.
However, there was no longer any forlorn honour in his pursuit as Lefty put the final touches on a dismal week at The Country Club. Instead, everything had a certain finality about it.
Mickelson was one of 17 Tour players who were instantly and indefinitely suspended for competing in the inaugural LIV last week in violation of the circuit's rules. Lefty did not renounce his Tour membership like Dustin Johnson, and Kevin Na did. Unfortunately, there is no hope of a comeback, though, as the gap between the Tour and the LIV series supported by Saudi Arabia grows.
Lefty's days on the Tour are finished unless there is some unexpected and improbable reconciliation. The lingering query is whether or not he will be poorly treated at the major championships.
The USGA permitted players who left for LIV Golf to participate in this week's competition, but authorities refrained from granting a blanket clearance.
Could [I] imagine a time when it would be more difficult for some people to enter a U.S. Open using various methods? I might. Is it true what you say? USGA CEO Mike Whan started last week, "I don't feel sure, but I can envision that day.
Even more explicit was the PGA of America, which oversees the PGA Championship. Mickelson won the championship at the event last month.
CEO Seth Waugh went so far as to outline the potential process that may be used to keep the LIV players out of last month's competition when Mickelson was the defending champion but did not participate.
To be a PGA member elsewhere and thus entitled to play [the PGA Championship], according to our statutes, you must be a recognized member of a recognized tour, Waugh said.
Chairman of Augusta National Fred Ridley stated, "I would start by emphasizing that our purpose is always to act in the best interests of the game in whatever form that may take. "I believe that golf is doing well right now. There is more involvement. The highest purses ever have been seen on professional tours.
"We have made it clear that we think the world tours have done a tremendous job over the years of promoting the game. I don't think I could say much more than that because there is so much about what can or could happen that we don't know.
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