The US Open last year was a painful joke. It was torture to watch it. That is Mickelson's point, and it is unfortunate you don't get it.

If you can bitch all the time...why cannot they.

Pal, you're reaching here. How can that quote possibly be construed as 'whining'?? As a 'journalist' interested in golf, you might be aware of Phil's comments earlier in the week in which he alluded to the strong possiblity of the conditions toughening as the Open wears on, and that he firmly thinks that will PLAY INTO HIS FAVOR. He's more saying "Bring it on... I'm prepared." The boys in the press room asked about the conditions and he gave an honest opinion. "Almost impossible to break par" is Phil's best guess at how the course will play through the weekend(based on what went down the last time the USGA was in charge of course set up and how he thinks #2 is set up now). That's not a complaint, it's one of the world's most talented players weighing recent history and the conditions HE'D JUST PLAYED and trying to give a fair and honest quote. He played at Shinnecock last year and took second finishing with one of the best 1-over rounds you'll ever witness on a near "impossible" set up. He KNOWS what his job is (showing up and playing the course as he finds it) and he hasn't complained at all about the course or the conditions, as you suggest. To him, he's just stating facts and informed opinions. And, unlike yours, I think his opinion's qualified. If you've never been to the "edge", you probably shouldn't be trying to talk about it or making unclever assumptions about what you think someone meant. Phil wants to shoot the lowest score this week and doesn't care if it's even, 10-over or 30-over. He's prepared for the worst. Perhaps it's the uninformed crackpots and ankle-biting faux-reporters who should "just let them play a golf tournament."

Mr. Baldwin, your short, "column writing" comment describing Rory Sabbatini's actions as a baby's fit actually fits your wit or lack there of as a sports writer. Like I have written before, know the man before you jump to such conclusions to demean a family man who takes time each tournament to show support of our troops overseas. Maybe you need to put a little more thought into your short and unintellectual writings before you print them because you continue to miss the boat in your "columns".

phil used to choke in majors, but not since his augusta win. although you quite possibly have not seen any golf for years judging by your ridiculous comments. and I'm no phil fan.

I have to agree with Phil and Vijay the USGA set up for "THEIR" major is absolutley ridiculous. These guys are pro golfers and under par is where 80% of the field should be. Can you imagine Peyton Manning throwing for 0 yds, 0 tds. That is why they are professionals because they do things that common people cant. A 59 at The Hope is alot more enjoyable to watch than Gore's 85 on Sunday. This is why the US Open is the worst major in golf. Give me Augusta or St. Andrews, Carnoustie etc. over the burnt up cement that we wittnessed at Shinnecock or Pinhurst

I HAVE PLAYED GOLF FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS AND I AGREE WITH PHIL AND VIJAY. SOME OF THESE COURSES GO TO FAR. LOOK WHO WON!!!! IT'S ONE THING TO CHALLENGE A PLYERS SKILL IT'S ANOTHER THING TO MAKE THE COURSE SO DIFFICULT THAT MOST OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD CAN'T BREAK PAR.