Phil Mickelson was turning back the clock at LIV Golf Miami, but things started going sideways fast for the six-time major champion.
Mickelson began the final day at Doral’s famed Blue Monster in the final group and in a tie for third, just three shots off Bryson DeChambeau’s lead as he looks for his first ever LIV Golf title.
Mickelson even climbed within a shot of the lead after making a birdie on the opening par-5 as DeChambeau struggled in difficult conditions.
But after Mickelson left his approach at the 7th short of the green to a front pin, his pitch was nearly perfectly played, but the result just wasn’t fair.
Known for his short game prowess, Mickelson’s pitch looked like it was going to land right on top of the hole. It nearly did.
*Clank!*
Mickelson’s ball grazed off the flatstick and instead of catching the lip of the cup, it bounced right and rolled straight off the green and into the pond.
The 45-time PGA Tour winner was stunned.
“That was going to take one bounce and check, had it missed the flagstick,” said LIV Golf broadcaster David Feherty.
“That is absolutely brutal,” added Jerry Foltz.
“That is just about the worst break we’ve seen this year now,” said Feherty after seeing a replay.
Knowing the spin Mickelson likely would have had on the pitch, he went from having maybe three or four feet left for par to having to chip-in just for save bogey.
Mickelson’s bogey chip was tracking, but understandably came up just a little short, not wanting to have the same fate as the last.
He made the putt for double bogey and dropped four off the lead. He then bogeyed the par-5 8th hole to fall further back in his last appearance before he seeks a fourth green jacket next week at the Masters.
