SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Toward the end of May, Phil Mickelson took a reconnaissance mission to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in preparation for the United States Open and came away impressed.
“I think this year’s U.S. Open is the greatest setup going that I have seen in my 25-whatever years of playing the U.S. Open,” said the five-time major winner who is an Open title away from becoming the sixth golfer to complete a career Grand Slam.
For all his achievements, Mickelson, who will turn 48 on Saturday, owns one dubious distinction at the Open — six times, he has been the runner-up.