Mickelson has another short week at Greenbrier as lengthy skid continues

Four-time major winner sets new personal worst with seventh round in succession above par, seems certain to miss cut at Greenbrier Resort.

From where Phil Mickelson is sitting – which is probably in a jet headed west at about 20,000 feet above ground at the moment – the week was hardly a total loss.

Sure, the world’s best left-hander on Friday all but officially washed out of the Greenbrier Classic for the second year in a row, and was nearly certain to miss the projected 36-hole cut after signing for a second straight 1-over 71 on the Old White Course.

But he didn’t depart with an entirely empty feeling.

According to various unconfirmed reports, Mickelson received $1 million from millionaire Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice for his two days of play, just as he did in 2011, when Lefty also was sent home for the weekend after missing the cut.

Whatever the dollars and sense – several sources cited the $1 million figure, which means Mickelson earned $27,777 per hole this week – it hardly seemed a washout for him financially.

Yet Mickelson seemingly faces issues that are far bigger than his bank account. The Greenbrier result extended his string of over-par rounds to seven in succession, the worst run in his 20-year PGA Tour career, according to tour data.

Mickelson several times this year has admitted to being unable to shake himself from a lethargic state on the course, which certainly seems to be reflected in his play. He was looking for answers Friday, too.

For the second year in a row.

“I don’t get it,” Mickelson said. “I certainly struggled a little bit on the greens both years, but nothing that should have led to these scores.”

Mickelson three-putted his first hole from 15 feet, missed another short one later in his front nine, and never really recovered. He also absorbed a one-shot penalty early when he dropped his ball on his marker, dislodging the coin.

"It doesn't feel like the parts are that far off," he said, "but I'm not putting them together."

With his next start set for the British Open in two weeks at Royal Lytham, Mickelson has one top-10 finish in six starts since the Masters and has posted a score in the 60s only four times.