FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The people’s champion didn’t disappoint on Thursday at the People’s Country Club.
Phil Mickelson, whose history at Bethpage Black includes runner-up finishes at the 2002 and ’09 U.S. Opens, shot a first-round 69 and was tied for ninth place, albeit six shots off the pace set by Brooks Koepka.
“It's a very fair [test],” Mickelson said of Bethpage. “I feel like I can make some pars out of the rough. I feel like I don't have to be too perfect, but I feel like I can salvage a couple of pars with just a few bad tee shots, and if I keep it in check, I should be able to shoot an under-par round.