Phil Mickelson, who is yearning to complete a career Grand Slam of the four Majors by winning his first U.S. Open, made a fast start to seize the early lead in the opening round on Thursday.
The American left-hander, a runner-up at the U.S. Open a record six times, birdied the third, fifth and eighth holes in firm, fast running conditions on the links-style Chambers Bay layout to reach the turn in three-under 32.
That put Mickelson a stroke in front of fellow Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Scotland’s Marc Warren.
No other winner would be more popular at Chambers Bay than fan favourite Mickelson after his repeated close calls at his national championship.
His most recent near-miss came in the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion where he finished two shots behind Justin Rose.
“The fact that I’ve come so close is actually a motivator for me to work harder,” Mickelson said earlier this week. “And it’s encouraging that I’ve done well in this tournament.
“It’s encouraging that I’ve had success and that I’ve played some of my best golf in this event and that I’ve had a number of opportunities.”
