CHASKA, Minn. – Phil Mickelson spent extra time late Thursday working on his putting. He was spotted on the practice green at 9 p.m., but Lefty was still struggling on Hazeltine National’s greens on Friday, needing 15 putts to cover his first nine holes.
Mickelson is at even par at the turn and tied for 63rd, just a stroke outside the projected cut. His ball-striking, however, has looked solid, hitting seven of 10 greens in regulation.
“He told me he was close and I’ve discovered that when he tells me his is close, he’s close,” said Sean Cochran, Mickelson’s fitness coach.