Tough 52nd birthday Thursday for the face of the LIV Series — Phil Mickelson.
There wasn’t much for Lefty to celebrate during his first 18 holes on Thursday at The Country Club as he struggled to a first round 78.
There was no happy birthday serenades, the spectators at the 122nd U.S. Open that watched Mickelson were polite but subdued. There was extra security provided by the USGA for the player who became embroiled in the LIV controversy from day one.
After shooting 10-over par for 54-holes last week in the LIV Opener, it’s looking like Lefty will go home early this week as he’s tied for 144th. Only the low 60 and ties make the grade in this “real” competition.
Here’s how the “LIV Big-Name Scoreboard” looked after the first round:
Dustin Johnson: 68
Richard Bland; Patrick Reed: 70
Bryson DeChambeau: 71
Sergio Garcia; Taylor Gooch: 74
Kevin Na: 75
Branden Grace: 76
Louie Oosthuizen: 77
Phil Mickelson: 78
Kupcho Shoots 63, Leads LPGA’s Meijer Classic:
Jennifer Kupcho hit 16 of 18 greens Thursday and shot a nine-under par 63 to take the first round lead at the LPGA Tour’s Meijer Classic.
Gerina (Pillar) Mendoza was a shot back with an eight-under par 64.
Madelene Sagstrom, Anna Nordqvist and Lexi Thompson were two shots back of the lead with 65s.
Defending champion Nelly Korda shot 67.
