A split-second decision on the 13th green at Shinnecock Hills turned American golfer Phil Mickelson’s last U.S. Open appearance at the venue into one of the most controversial moments of his career.

The incident incited widespread criticism, overshadowing his tournament. Mickelson later admitted he was “embarrassed and disappointed” by his actions.

On June 16, 2018, during the third round, Mickelson chased a rolling ball on the 13th green and struck it to stop its movement.

This resulted in a two-stroke penalty and harsh criticism from golf experts and audiences. Mickelson addressed the controversy a few days later, offering an apology while speaking with members of the golf media.

“I know this should've come sooner, but it's taken me a few days to calm down. My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend. I'm embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I'm sorry," he said.

Fans and analysts viewed Mickelson’s impulsive behavior as a breach of golf’s spirit, with some even calling for his disqualification.

However, a few also recognized the moment as a spot of uncontrolled frustration on a particularly difficult and unforgiving course.

Although the incident dominated headlines, Mickelson was not in contention for the title and ultimately finished tied for 48th at 16-over par.

The Rule Behind Mickelson’s Controversial Penalty

According to Sky Sports, Mickelson later called USGA chief executive Mike Davis to clarify whether his actions warranted disqualification.

"Phil really did want to understand how the rule operates because he didn't want to… frankly, as he said to me, he goes, 'Mike, I don't want to play in this championship if I should have been disqualified'. That's where we clarified that, 'Phil, you actually made a stroke at a moving ball, and so we have to apply that rule (14-5),'” Davis explained.

"That's different than if he had deliberately just stopped the ball or whacked it in another direction or something like that. So it's just, it's us applying the rules.”

The officials explained that since Mickelson had struck the ball before it had stopped moving, it breached Rule 14-5; hence, the penalty.

However, if he had stopped the ball or knocked it away without making a stroke, a different rule would have applied. The officials were obliged to apply the rule corresponding to his action.

The U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills eight years after the venue last hosted the championship in 2018, when Phil Mickelson's moving-ball incident dominated headlines.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav