U.S. Open: Phil Mickelson loses ground on leaders but remains hopeful

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – The cheer that turned into a standing ovation from the grandstand overlooking the ninth hole when Phil Mickelson merely tugged at his cap proved that he always will be a star attraction in the world of golf.

Mickelson, though, appears resigned to a supporting role in the 115th U.S. Open after a slog of a second round resulted in a 4-over 74 and a two-round total of 143, three strokes over par.

That had him eight shots off the lead and left his chances for finally winning the tournament that would give him a career Grand Slam as a long shot, at best.

For much of the day Friday, Mickelson’s part in this Open seemed like it might be destined for the cutting-room floor, as his score danced perilously close to falling below the cut line.

But Mickelson saved his best for last, with his only birdie on the eighth hole (which was his 17th) and then a par on the ninth.

Afterward, he lamented three three-putts and 35 putts overall.

“It’s a U.S. Open, and it happens,” he said of his struggles Friday. “Everybody is going to go through a tough spell, and I fought through mine. Well, hopefully it’s my only one. But that is unlikely. I need to get a hot hand (Saturday), though.”