Phil Mickelson hits fan with ball at US Open as worried spectators rush to his aid | Golf | Sport
Phil Mickelson managed to strike a fan with a stray ball on day two of the US Open on Friday. The 52-year-old was aiming to recover from a sub-par start to this year’s tournament, the only major that he is yet to win over the course of his playing career at the highest level.
Mickelson rounded off on Thursday with a disappointing score of eight over-par and was bidding to cut back the deficit with a respectable showing on day two of the action at the Country Club in Massachusetts. His weekend quickly went from bad to worse, though, when he floored a spectator with a wayward shot on the third hole.
The spectator in question was pictured lying flat on his back after he was struck by the ball, which appeared to make contact with his face. A number of fans rushed to check on his wellbeing before Mickelson ventured over to offer his apologies and help him to his feet.
The episode marked another embarrassing mishap for Mickelson, who was only above nine other players on the US Open leaderboard at the time of the incident. The three-time Masters winner endured a torrid time of things on Thursday and has been dominating the headlines due to his involvement in the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, which held its first event last week.
Mickelson was recently banned from the PGA Tour after signing up for the breakaway league but was permitted to compete at this month’s US Open by the powers that be in spite of his decision. Those who have opted to join the LIV Golf Series have been heavily criticised for their position over the last few weeks, mainly due to accusations of Saudi sportswashing and the large sums of money involved in bringing them to the tournament.
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