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Mickelson Praises USGA, Fairness Of Course Setup

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 16, 2008

Updated: 06/16/2008 12:46 am

SAN DIEGO - Phil Mickelson, who grew up in San Diego playing Torrey Pines, said the U.S. Open being played in his backyard was "the opportunity of a lifetime." That, of course, was before he shot 6 over for the week and was never a factor.

Just the same, he did birdie three of his final five holes Sunday to shoot 68 and was Happy Phil when it was done.

"I think that as I look back I am so proud to be from San Diego and to have this Open championship here at Torrey Pines," he said. "And the golf course was, again, I think the best, fairest setup it's ever been. The mixture of tee boxes, the pin placements were all perfect to give the best players a chance to separate themselves.

"I'm disappointed I didn't play well, but I'm not disappointed the way this championship is shaping into form and the way that San Diego has been presented. This has been awesome."

Big Money And Much, Much More

The USGA announced a total purse of $7.5 million, with the winner earning $1.35 million.

The title comes with a collection of other significant rewards:

•U.S. Open exemption for the next 10 years.

•Five-year exemptions to Masters, British Open, PGA Championship and Players Championship.

•Exempt status on the PGA Tour for five years.

Other golfers also benefit.

•The top 15 finishers (and ties) are exempt for next year's U.S. Open.

•The top eight finishers (and ties) are invited to next year's Masters.

Sergio Stalls

Sergio Garcia opened with a first-round 76 and chipped away at a comeback with back-to-back 70s to climb into a tie for 11th after three rounds.

But Sunday he stalled, finishing with a 74 to tie for 18th.

Low Amateur

Michael Thompson, a senior accounting major at Alabama, shot a final-round 72 to finish 8 over and low amateur.

By finishing runner-up in the 2007 U.S. Amateur, he earned an invitation to Torrey Pines. And learned much.

"I did," he said. "I learned that I have a lot more composure than I thought I did. I never gave up this week and I'm very proud of that.

"The last couple days I've gotten off to some pretty bad starts and played 1 under there on in. And I think that speaks more than if I would have finished second, you know, to me, I learn more from that.

"And I was hitting the ball pretty decent, but not my best, so I think for the way I played, I've got some good things to look forward to."

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