We’re not used to seeing birdieless rounds from Phil The Thrill. His opening-round 79 at Quail Hollow made it two consecutive Majors in which Phil Mickelson failed to record a birdie in one of his rounds, following up a three-over 74 at the British Open last month.
The Thursday round – his worst-ever in a US PGA Championship – completes a forgettable Major season for the 47-year-old, barring an ultra special second round. This would mark the first year since 2007 that Mickelson hasn’t had a top-10 in a Major, which was also the last year he missed two straight cuts in a Major.
Of course, Mickelson skipped the US Open at Erin Hills this year to attend his daughter’s high-school graduation, so this would be three straight weekends at a major with no Phil.
And the five-time Major champion didn’t look happy after finishing his round – heading straight to the car without stopping to the media, which he almost always does.
Mickelson’s really solid record at Quail Hollow makes his first-round performance even more surprising – as he’s has made the cut in 14 consecutive seasons playing at the North Carolina layout.
That record, too, might be in danger without a strong second round.
