Strege: Mickelson's Open Frustrations Continue

LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Even on a hometown course with which he is so familiar, Phil Mickelson fumbled with the combination in his bid to unlock the mystery of winning the U.S. Open.

Mickelson's score of 76 on the South Course at Torrey Pines Saturday was the highest he had ever shot in the third round in an Open. His score Sunday of 68, three under par, was the lowest he ever shot in the final round of an Open. After the 76, the 68 didn't matter. In this, his 18th Open and 16th as a professional, it added up to six-over par 290.

"Obviously I would liked to have played better," he said, "but the way the course was set up, it was the fairest, best test of golf. I'm so proud to be from San Diego and to have this Open championship here at Torrey Pines."

It was a bittersweet consolation prize. Now it's three weeks off, before heading overseas for the Scottish Open and the British Open.

"I just tried to play a good round," said Mickelson, "and use it as a stepping stone into the British."

--John Strege