Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler share their views on Phil Mickelson’s controversial actions during the US Open.
READ: Mickelson issues apology
WATCH: Phil hits moving ball en route to 10
Jason Day: ‘It’s obviously disappointing’
‘It’s obviously disappointing to see what Phil did,” said Day.
‘I think a lot of people have mixed reviews about what he did. It’s just unfortunate that it happened at the USGA’s tournament, where they enforce the rules, like the R&A. And I think they may have, they probably should have enforced a different outcome for Phil. But it is what it is. It’s done. It’s just disappointing that that is overshadowing the winner of the whole week. I think if they had it back again, they may have chosen a different outcome.’
Jordan Spieth: ‘I’ll take Phil on his word’
‘Phil knows the rules,’ said Spieth.
‘There was a chance it was going to go back behind the bunker and he’s got to chip back, or he was going to play off the green anyways, so he was potentially saving himself a shot. So if that was the intent, then what’s the harm in that? He’s playing the best score he can. I don’t think people thought that was the intent, but I’ll take his word it was his intent. He knows the rules.’
Rickie Fowler: ‘I haven’t necessarily thought of hitting it back towards the hole’
‘It just shows you how borderline that pin could be, especially the timing and the day, going into the afternoon,’ said Fowler.
‘He could have saved himself a shot by just letting it go and taking unplayable. But then that would still look pretty funny too if you’re able to hit the putt, goes off the green wherever it may go, bunker or down wherever, and you take an unplayable and put it back. The course shouldn’t play that way.’
Has Rickie ever thought about doing that?
‘Maybe times when you’re playing with your buddies and you just want to slap it away as far as you can possibly hit it. I haven’t necessarily thought of hitting it back towards the hole.’
