New U.S. Open twist: Phil Mickelson psyches himself out at Pinehurst No. 2

The fact Phil Mickelson carries the mental fortitude of Greg Norman is no secret. But usually, someone has to at least make an effort to rattle America’s favorite runner up, a la Vijay Singh and spike gate at the Masters.

But not this year at the U.S. Open. No, Mickelson reduced himself to a puddle of shanked shots at Pinehurst No. 2.

After moaning about course conditions in interviews following his first round, he went out and shot himself out of another major with a seven-over-par 77 in the second round. You have to give the man credit. It may not be “almost impossible” for anyone to wind up under par at Pinehurst as Phil claimed, but it surely will be for him.

And you didn’t think the Golf Gods had a sense of humor!

Thanks for playing Phil! See you at the British Open for another meltdown.

Mickelson’s done winning majors. He got his one fluke. Thankfully, he was smart enough to take advantage and write a book about it immediately.