LOS ANGELES — On Phil Mickelson’s 53rd birthday, the legendary golfer was loudly heckled for the second day in a row at the 2023 U.S. Open.
The heckler appeared to reference the reported $200 million Mickelson got to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league and leave the PGA Tour, according to two tournament volunteers with Mickelson’s group.
The outburst Friday came when Mickelson and his group were walking from the 14th green to the 15th tee box at Los Angeles Country Club, according to volunteer walking scorer Chris Watts and volunteer scoreboard toter Matthew Miller.
Mickelson, who shot a 4-over 74 and missed the cut at 3 over, did not stop to speak with reporters. Mickelson, who has finished runner-up six times at the U.S. Open, has long been a crowd favorite and has made no secret of his desire to win the only major he’s missing from his portfolio.
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Padraig Harrington, who along with Keegan Bradley played in the group with Mickelson, said the incident lasted for 15 to 20 seconds and he thought the heckler was the same one from Thursday.
The man on Thursday wore a sombrero, according to published reports.
“Not today,’’ Harrington told reporters. “Just had a wig on today. … Definitely looked like the same guy.’’
On Thursday, according to published reports, the heckler stood up at the grandstand at the ninth green and blurted out something about “red lipstick and nine-inch heels” and a “Victoria’s Secret sponsorship.’’ The rant ended before security escorted him away.
On Friday, according to Watts, the fans countered the heckler by loudly wishing Mickelson “Happy Birthday.’’
It was a theme of the day, with about a dozen fans at the first tee box singing “Happy Birthday’’ before Mickelson started his second round, according to Miller.
Mickelson continued to acknowledged fans with a thumbs up, tip of the cap or an occasional grin.