What happened during Phil Mickelson’s practice round at Pinehurst before the US Open starts

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Phil Mickelson is in search of his first U.S. Open title this week after enduring several near misses in the past.

The lefty famously blew his chances of winning America’s national title at Winged Foot in 2006 after carding a double bogey on the 72nd hole to hand Geoff Ogilvy the win by one shot.

Mickelson has also finished second or tied for second in 2002, 2004, 2009 and 2013. Furthermore, the now-LIV Golf star was runner-up behind Payne Stewart during the U.S. Open’s first visit to Pinehurst back in 1999.

It’s fair to say the 53-year-old has been unfortunate in America’s most prestigious competition.

Now, back at Pinehurst, Mickelson is still looking to land what would be a historic victory and complete the career grand slam.

Phil Mickelson takes a look at Pinehurst No.2 ahead of the US OpenF

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Mickelson was out on Pinehurst No.2 on Tuesday, getting a feel for what the notorious North Carolina track has to offer ahead of Thursday’s first round.

X account, TrackingPhil, is currently on Pinehurst’s fairways documenting what the 2021 PGA Championship winner has been doing in the lead-up to the third major of the year.

“Phil looked extremely motivated and focused today in his practice round,” the X account wrote. “Was analyzing every detail out there. Game seemed sharp too. Definitely has a chance to contend if everything continues to click.”

However, when asked what Mickelson’s driving was like, TrackingPhil provided a more concerning update.

“It [Phil’s driving] was iffy today,” they added.

Finally, the six-time major winner was also spotted checking out Pinehurst’s wire grass rough, which promises to wreak havoc this week.

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Despite his polarizing nature in recent years, Mickelson would be a popular winner at Pinehurst No.2 this week.

With the lefty needing the U.S. Open to complete the career grand slam, very few would begrudge the 53-year-old lifting the prestigious trophy on Sunday evening.

When Mickelson retires, he will go down as an all-time great, but having the career grand slam on his resume would cement his place as one of the greatest ever.

Mickelson is currently 39th in LIV Golf’s standings and will need a remarkable upturn in form to compete this week.

But, after his PGA Championship victory at Kiawah Island in 2021, it would take a brave man to write the American off completely.