Phil Mickelson hammered by heckler at US Open

LIV Golf rebel Phil Mickelson tends to divide opinion among golf fans, and at the US Open on Thursday, one unhappy punter didn’t hold back.

On the ninth hole – Mickelson’s last of the opening round – a fan kitted out in a sombrero and stick-on moustache ripped into the American from the grandstand.

Mickelson was lining up a birdie putt when the heckler started his long-winded rant about walking away from the PGA Tour for LIV cash.

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The verbal barrage lasted around 30 seconds before the aggrieved fan was eventually escorted by security.

As reported by GOLF.com, fans in the area claimed the criticism referred to the 53-year-old taking a “Victoria’s Secret sponsorship” and something about “red lipstick and nine-inch heels.”

The spectator shouted: “It’s all you need to work for the rest of your life, Phil. They’re going to pay you $200 million as well.”

Weird scene on 9 green — Phil Mickelson was standing over his putt when a guy in a sombrero started shouting from the bleachers. Kept going for a solid 30 seconds. Long story short…he’s not a fan.

Here’s the grainiest photo of all time right before security arrived: pic.twitter.com/e2eTzScqqD

— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) June 16, 2023

“What about all the guys on the PGA Tour, Phil? Every single of them looked up to you for their entire careers. This is what you do to them, Phil? This is what you do to them?”

Once Mickelson’s biggest fan was removed, several members of the crowd rallied behind the HyFlyers GC team captain.

Shouts of ‘We love you, Phil’ and ‘Let’s go, Phil’, were followed by a combined applause from the gallery.

Mickelson finished his first day on LACC in a tie for 25th after carding a one-under-par 69.

While uncertainty remains around the future of the partnership, including the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Mickelson has been a consistent voice in the bitter rivalry.

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However, he has made it clear this is a week to let his golf do the talking and stay clear from making his well-known opinion heard.

After his round, he was asked if he could give his thoughts on the shake-up that was announced last week, but Mickelson said: “Not yet.”

“I don’t want to detract right now from this tournament and where I’m at. I’m playing well. I want to get myself in contention. I’ll talk about it maybe after.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.