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There was no big birthday celebration for Phil Mickelson who turned 43 at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday, only another case of heartache at the US Open, writes Larry Fine.
Mickelson began the day with a one-stroke lead but despite a sensational eagle-two at the par-four 10th when he holed out from the rough, the big left-hander finished two shots behind winner Justin Rose to finish runner-up once again.
In tying Australian Jason Day after shooting a final-round 74 for a three-over-par 284 total, Mickelson extended his US Open record with a sixth second-place finish.
“For me it’s very heartbreaking,” Mickelson said. “This could have been a really big turnaround for me on how I look at the US Open, the tournament that I’d like to win, after having so many good opportunities.”
Mickelson had finished second best in 2009, 2006, 2004, 2002 and 1999, but the big left-hander thought he was poised to finally break through at Merion after being in the lead after each of the first three rounds.
“I think this was my best chance,” said Mickelson, who bogeyed three of his last six holes to yield the advantage to Rose. “The way that I was playing heading in, the position I was in and the way I love the golf course.”
Mickelson gave himself a slew of birdie opportunities but burned the edges with numerous putts and failed to execute with his vaunted short game down the closing stretch.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose treasured the validation of winning the US Open for his first major championship, after a touching salute to his father, a teary victory call to his mother back in England and the kiss of the silver trophy.
