Phil Mickelson implodes at Masters as LIV Golf star makes brutal four-putt
Phil Mickelson qualified for the weekend at the Masters by shooting four-over-par on Friday, but he faced unexpected challenges on moving day. During his third round at the Masters on Saturday, Phil Mickelson struggled with a difficult performance, highlighted by a disastrous four-putt at the par-four fourth hole.
Mickelson, a LIV Golf star, faced challenges throughout the round, leading to a tough outing on moving day.
Mickelson guaranteed his participation in all 72 rounds at Augusta National this week as he was able to make the cut despite being four over par after 36 holes, two strokes better than the six-over cut line.
Mickelson was determined to improve his performance on Saturday, taking advantage of the calmer weekend conditions following a challenging start to the tournament.
Things however got off to a nightmare start for the three-time champion though, as he followed opening pars at the first and second with a dismal triple bogey seven at the par-three third.
The third hole at the iconic Georgia course is a birdie chance for many, with the short par-four standing at 350-yards. And despite finding the bunker down the left, Mickelson had just 96 yards left to the green, and with a short game as good as his, no doubt still had birdie on his mind.
His effort from the sand skipped just past the hole, finishing just off the fringe at the back of the putting surface. He then opted to play a low-runner into the green with his wedge but caught his attempt too hot, as he watched his ball sail past the hole.
Now looking to save par Mickelson had a putt back across the green, however his effort finished low of the hole and once again rolled by. Unfortunately for the six-time major champion his misery with the flat stick was for from over though, as his bogey attempt from three-feet missed.
Clearly full of frustration the damage continued, as he went on to miss his double-bogey putt, before finally tidying up from around six-feet to sign for a triple bogey seven. The chaos at the third saw Mickelson jump from four-over-par to seven-over in a matter of seconds, in a moment to forget for the American.
Ever the professional, the 53-year-old did show his experience after steadying the ship with as seven-straight pars followed. He then went on to bogey par-four 11th, but responded well by bouncing back with an immediate birdie following a superb tee shot into the par-three 12th green.
After making a birdie on the par-five 15th hole, he finished his third round with three consecutive pars to complete a two-over-par 74 on Saturday. Mickelson is aiming to repeat his performance from the previous year’s Masters tournament
when he competes again on Sunday. Out of nowhere, Lefty secured a tied-second place with Brooks Koepka in 2023 by delivering a standout performance in his last round.
Demonstrating his experience as a three-time major champion at Augusta National, Mickelson closed his week with an impressive six-under 66 score, ultimately finishing four shots behind Jon Rahm.
