Phil Mickelson has apologised for his US Open rules infringement.
The veteran missed a putt on the 13th green during the third round at Shinniecock Hills, walked around to the other side of the hole, and putted the ball again whilst it was still moving (he missed that putt too).
The United States Golf Association handed the left-hander a two-shot penalty, but the reaction from many fans and pundits implied the incident was rather more severe.
Mickelson himself came out on the offensive, telling people who were outraged by the incident to ‘get a grip’.
Four days after the incident however, Mickelson apologised.
The five-time major winner said:
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.
A victory at Shinniecock would have completed the career major Grand Slam for the 48-year-old.
Rory McIlroy admitted to having laughed at the incident, but many saw the disregard for the most essential rule in golf as troubling.
