Golf:A frustrated Phil Mickelson was unable to improve his dismal British Open record yet again today. After only one top 10 finish in his first 16 appearances, Mickelson could do no better than level par for his first two rounds at St Andrews.
Needing a top four finish to have a chance of toppling Tiger Woods as world number one, Mickelson completed his second round 71 just before play was suspended because of strong winds.
With Woods five under and only on the first green, the Masters champion had a wry smile when he said he was “happy” for all those who were allowed to mark their balls and then return when conditions improved.
Mickelson was inside the cut mark as he spoke, but if things really calmed down there was still a possibility he would make an early exit just as he did from last week’s Scottish Open.
“Conditions were tough until it got suspended,” he commented. “With winds this strong your putts from three feet are greatly affected, not to mention trying to make eight, 10 or 12-footers with crosswinds.
“But the balls didn’t move on the green for us. I’ve played in the past where it has — I played one round in ‘03 at Sandwich when it moved six times on me on the putting green as I was addressing it.
“Twice I had actually put the club behind it and was penalised both times. I have seen it where it’s been unplayable and it was OK when we played, just hard. I’m frustrated because I love this golf course and this tournament and I felt I was playing well coming in.
“I maybe had a poor deal with the weather, but I also played poorly. I think a lot can happen on the weekend, but (if he makes the cut) I’ve got to go out and shoot a low round and I don’t know if the conditions will be conducive to that.”
Mickelson’s birdie on the 18th could be crucial in whether he had two more rounds.