Phil Mickelson wishes he had played better at U.S. Open

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – Phil Mickelson ignited the 115th edition of the U.S. Open with three birdies on his opening nine holes to claim possession of the top of the leaderboard.

By Saturday afternoon, however, Lefty's quest to complete the career Grand Slam with victory in the national championship had been dowsed.

On Sunday he left without meeting with the media.

Mickelson, a record six-time bridesmaid in the U.S. Open, couldn't get a handle on his game nor rugged and scorched Chambers Bay and quietly departed long before the leaders set sail on their final round.

With rounds of 69-74-77-73, Mickelson, who had been runner-up in the last two majors, finished at 13-over-par 293.

There was little consolation, with his final hole providing a fitting summation for the week. After a solid drive into the fairway, the five-time major winner found a greenside bunker with his second on the par-5 18th and was over the green with his third. Then he whiffed on his fourth, finally knocked the ball onto the green with his fifth and took two putts. All told it was a double-bogey 7 – his lone double-bogey for the championship.

"I enjoyed coming to Washington to play a major championship event," Mickelson said in a statement released through his agent. "The people here appreciate the PGA Tour players and the U.S. Open and have really supported it. It was fun to play here. The community helped run a really first-class event, and I wish I had played better."

Mickelson, who turned 45 this week, said he feels no sense of urgency as each annual attempt to complete the career Grand Slam passes. He's confident that years of playing well are ahead of him, he's fit, his swing feels good, and there are no major injuries to deal with.

His next go at winning the national championship he so covets will take place June 16-19, 2016, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. In 2007 at Oakmont, Mickelson was hindered by a balky left wrist he injured during practice rounds. He missed the cut.

Mickelson hasn't won since capturing the 2013 British Open. He will next play July 9-12 in the Scottish Open on the European Tour. The following week he'll play in the British Open on the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.