The difficult course at Shinnecock Hills took its toll on Phil Mickelson Saturday, who pulled a questionable sportsmanship move.
Mickelson putted a moving ball on the 13th hole during his third round of the US Open, taking a two-stroke penalty in the process.
A remarkable sequence on Hole 13, where Phil Mickelson was assessed a two-stroke penalty for hitting a moving ball and ended up making a 10 on the hole. pic.twitter.com/kx6ieYiOGR
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 16, 2018
The five-time major winner acknowledged his frustration had gotten the better of him and that he did it intentionally. He also said that critics need to “toughen up.”
Phil had two words for fans/players who were offended by him taking a two-shot penalty for hitting a moving ball: “Toughen up.”
Said he knew the rules and would rather take the penalty than play ping-pong around the green.
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) June 16, 2018
The response from Phil on the course was certainly out of character. His defiance afterwards and lack of apology will certainly lead to only more controversy.
