The Open 2015: Phil Mickelson hits 17th tee-shot onto hotel balcony to destroy his final round charge at St Andrews
Mickelson was on course to challenge for the lead until finding the St Andrews hotel
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Phil Mickelson was too busy being Phil Mickelson to notice anything around him as he mounted a typical final day charge up The Open leaderboard, but he needed to keep an eye out for the hotel on the 17th hole.
Having reached the penultimate hole in -6 to put himself on -10 for the tournament and just two off the lead, the American will have no doubt be eyeing two round-ending birdies, a share of the lead and a boat load of pressure on the leaders who were yet to start their final rounds.
Just seconds later though, he had his head in his hands after hitting his ball not in the bunker, but on the balcony, and leave himself in a whole load of trouble.
Mickelson would go on to make a disappointing and round-destroying triple bogey seven on the par-4 17th, and a par at 18 meant the ‘Old Lefty’ would have to make do with a final score of -7.
For the 2013 Open champion, a second title will have to wait.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments