ERIN, Wis. -- It's official, there will be no hot air balloon or squirrel suit-wearing entrance from Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Open this year. Lefty has officially withdrawn from the event at Erin Hills, and it marks the first time since 1993 he will miss this tournament.
He had played in 23 consecutive U.S. Opens.
Mickelson is attending his daughter Amanda's graduation in California. He sent his caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay to Erin Hills to scout the place early in the week and was hoping for a lengthy rain delay Thursday morning so he could make a cross-country flight for his afternoon tee time.
Absolutely glorious day at Erin Hills today. Not too hot, not much wind, expect low scores #usopen pic.twitter.com/abRfvV6dkT
— Luke Kerr-Dineen (@LukeKerrDineen) June 15, 2017
Despite some overnight showers, there is no rain in sight. Roberto Diaz will take Mickelson's spot Thursday and Friday as the first alternate.
Air Force Phil can head back into the hangar. First major without Tiger and Phil since the 1994 Masters.
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) June 15, 2017
Additionally, this will be the first major since 1994 that neither Tiger Woods nor Mickelson will play. Mickelson has finished runner up a six times at this event, most recently at Merion in 2013.
