What was so bad about Phil Mickelson's last round at Winged Foot?

Question

Mickelson's final round at Winged Foot at the US Open in 2006, when he was in contention for victory, is talked of in tones of hushed awe for the way in which Mickelson crumbled. What happened?

Answer 1

Mick's disintegration was memorable partly because his use of the driver was woeful - at one stage, the Californian hit a shot into a trashcan, which seemed like a fitting metaphor for his play. But still, he had a one-stroke lead on the 18th. Unfortunately, his tee shot hit a hospitality tent, but somehow landed in a half-decent lie - and rather than playing it safe to get back on to the fairway, Mick attempted to slice the ball round a tree - a decision that saw his ball hit a branch and stop, travelling all of 25 yards. Next Mick hit into a bunker, finally double-bogeying to miss out on a play-off by a shot. Mick's verdict? "I am such an idiot."