THE MAJORS
Mickelson and Fleetwood were caught in the media spotlight in 2018. BY STUART MCLEAN Shinnecock Hills PROVIDES A DRAMATIC US OPEN STAGE
US Open host Shinnecock Hills, on Long Island, New York, is one of the oldest courses in America.
P HIL MICKELSON HAD AN illustrious career – six major vic- tories; the oldest champion in history at the 2021 PGA – but his most infamous moment in golf is likely to be dragged up again this year. In June the US Open returns to Shinnecock Hills where Mickelson caused an uproar in 2018 when he struck a moving ball while putting on the 13th green. Third round of the Open, and Mick- elson faced a slick, downhill putt for bogey at 13. The ball carried on past the hole and was heading off the front of the green until Mickelson took leave of his senses. He jogged after the ball and hit it while in motion. There was gen- eral outrage at his bizarre behaviour, particularly because America’s golden boy didn’t show any remorse until apologising several days later. He was assessed a two-shot penalty and signed for a 10, but many were calling for him
to be disqualified. His score of 81 was the worst of his US Open career in 34 appearances. The US Open was the solitary major which eluded Mickelson in his Grand Slam quest. Six times a runner-up, among them some close calls. At the age of 55 he may have to qualify if he wishes to play in another US Open. Un- likely the USGA will gift him a special exemption in light of what happened that day on Long Island. One of those second places was at Shinnecock in 2004, a US Open marred by windblown, unplayable greens. Mickelson had won the Masters two months earlier and the Open was in his grasp on Sunday until he cracked
under the stress on the 71st hole. He three-putted from five feet on the par 3 for a double bogey, losing by two shots to Retief Goosen, who miraculously one-putted 11 greens in the final round to shoot one-over 71 on a day when the scoring average was 78.7. A particular spotlight at the US Open will be on World No 1 Scottie Scheffler, whose betting odds for the Masters in April are as low as 7/2, and 4/1 at the other three majors. A win at Shinnecock would complete his own Grand Slam, after 26 majors as a professional. Tiger took 15, Jack Nicklaus 19, Gary Player 30, Rory McIroy 63. Tommy Fleetwood The 2026 “Majors” season stretches from the Players Championship in March to the Presidents Cup in late Sep- tember, but most of the action for Su- perSport viewers occurs in the space of
WATCH ONLINE Mickelson hits a moving ball
76 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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