What if Phil Mickelson never wins a U.S. Open?

ESPN ^ | 10 June 2019 | Mark Schlabach

[Rummyfan]

Nearly 20 years ago, as Payne Stewart rolled his final putt on the 72nd hole of the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Phil Mickelson started slowly walking toward Stewart -- even before the winning 18-footer fell in and Stewart famously threw his right arm into the air.

With a look of resignation, it was as if Mickelson already knew the putt was good.

After Stewart's caddie, Mike Hicks, jumped into his arms in celebration, Stewart cupped Mickelson's baby face in his hands and offered words of encouragement.

EDITOR'S PICKS

Leave the driver home? A guide to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach "You're going to be a father," Stewart told Mickelson, who arrived in Pinehurst, North Carolina, that week with a beeper tucked in his bag. His wife, Amy, was back in Scottsdale, Arizona, expecting their first child, and Mickelson vowed that if that beeper went off -- no matter when, no matter where he was on the leaderboard -- he was gone.

A few minutes later, while Stewart was being interviewed by NBC's Dan Hicks, he turned to the 29-year-old Mickelson and said, "You're good. You'll win yours. You'll win yours."

[Rummyfan]

He should have won in 2006 at Winged Foot where he had a one-shot lead on the 72nd hole. He butchered the hole and took double-bogey, losing out on a playoff too. The immortal Geoff Ogilvie won (he has since disappeared from the tour).

Is life complete for a professional elite golfer without a US Open? Sure. Sam Snead never won it either. Tom Watson never won the PGA. Lee Trevino never won the Master's. Such is life.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

What if Phil Mickelson never wins a U.S. Open?

Well, I'm going out on a limb here, but I'd say that Phil Mickelson never won a U.S. Open.

[bert]

What if?

Nothing will happen. It doesn’t mstter

[Atticus]

Payne Stewart, RIP. Hard to believe it’s been 20 years.

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks so much for your support to this point... I personally apprecaite it...
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...this is a general all-purpose message, and should not be seen as targeting any individual I am responding to...

Just $21.00 dollars to 93.00%

[EQAndyBuzz]

Phil has 3 green jackets. That’s a hall of fame career.

[billyboy15]

What if nobody cared?

[faucetman]

What is this? “Sports Chat”?

[Fair Paul]

I think we need another cable channel that is dedicated to this and nothing else.

[Lisbon1940]

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[dakine]

Palmer = No PGA
Speith = No PGA
McElroy = No Masters
Etc.. Etc...

[napscoordinator]

He will still count his millions regardless.

[pilipo]

What if Phil Mickelson never wins a U.S. Open?

I will struggle to survive. God willing I will make it ... but even then ... I'm sure that my life will be a living hell ...

[JBW1949]

It isn’t mandatory that you look in here...

[USS Alaska]

I'm a big Phil fan, but the US open has been his jinx, finishing 2nd an amazing 6 times.

A couple of those were plain Phil being Phil stupid. Taking longshot chances cost him at least two absolute wins, but he's had a wonderful run.

I'm still rooting for him, but I'm not overly optimistic.

However, he has five wins at Pebble, so...maybe...

[Rummyfan]

I'm a big Phil fan, but the US open has been his jinx, finishing 2nd an amazing 6 times. A couple of those were plain Phil being Phil stupid. Taking longshot chances cost him at least two absolute wins, but he's had a wonderful run. I'm still rooting for him, but I'm not overly optimistic. However, he has five wins at Pebble, so...maybe...

I feel exactly the same way. In some Opens he has been simply outplayed (Payne Stewart), in others he threw it way (Winged Foot). But he's forty-eight and it's extremely difficult to string together four good rounds. And Pebble will not be set up the same as it was back in February.

But I will be rooting for him.

Koepka is the man to beat till he shows otherwise. I'm also a big Rory fan - hopefully he didn't leave his best in Canada after shooting 64 - 61 last weekend.