Phil Mickelson's seaside excursions were the least of his worries yesterday as the Masters champion blamed "horrific" putting for his failure to make a single birdie in the first round of the US Open. Mickelson, who has five runner-up finishes in the national championship and would dearly love to lift the trophy, hit one ball in the Pacific Ocean and another near enough to require a drop, but he said it was his poor showing on the greens that led to a four-over par 75 at Pebble Beach Golf Links. "Obviously I didn't score well, but I thought I played pretty well, other than putting. "I just putted horrific," said Mickelson. "It's very frustrating for me to miss all those opportunities. "I don't mind making a bad swing here, there ufffd making a bogey here, there. It's part of the US Open. It's just I've got to make birdies." Mickelson's round was his highest to start a US Open since a 75 at Congressional in 1997. When he walked off the course ufffd straight to the practice green ufffd Mickelson was five shots off the lead. Early first-round scores: 70 ufffd Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP), KJ Choi (KOR), Mike Weir (CAN), Ian Poulter (ENG). 71 ufffd Luke Donald (ENG), David Toms (USA).

Phil Mickelson's seaside excursions were the least of his worries yesterday as the Masters champion blamed "horrific" putting for his failure to make a single birdie in the first round of the US Open.

US Open golf: Poor putting costs Phil Mickelson

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US Open golf: Poor putting costs Phil Mickelson

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