MAMARONECK, N.Y. _ Phil Mickelson was just as gracious missing the cut at Winged Foot as he was when he kissed away the 2006 championship.
"I enjoyed the week and I enjoyed the challenge that this golf course provides," he said after a much improved round of 73 that left him at 13-over. "I think it's always one of the hardest tests that we play but one of the most fun challenges because of the character of the course all throughout, from shot-making to putting and short game.
"I think it's a terrific place to play golf and I'm appreciative of the opportunity to have been able compete here and I'm disappointed I didn't play better."
Mickelson said he needs to "figure things out" at home, where he plans to spend the next couple of weeks.
"I get out here where the penalty for a mis-hit is severe, and I find myself getting a little tight and a little steer-y, and playing some of my worst golf," he said. "When I go back home, I don't have the stress and I seem to play just fine, but I've got to be able to bring it out here under these conditions."
