Phil Mickelson optimistic after playing ‘terrible’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Things have not gone exactly to plan for Phil Mickelson.

The 52-year-old was hoping to capitalize on an inspiring performance at the Masters in which he and Brooks Koepka flew the LIV Golf banner by tying for second, but the first two days at the PGA Championship have not been quite what he envisioned.

Mickelson narrowly made the cut after a 2-over 72 Friday that put him at 5 over for the tournament. That’s because the Oak Hill Country Club East Course has been quite a challenge this week, leaving many to compare it to a U.S. Open setup.

“I think it’s an incredible test,” said Mickelson, who ties Jack Nicklaus and Raymond Floyd with 27 made cuts at the PGA Championship. He now has made 100 cuts in majors.

“I came in here very optimistic. The first two days I’ve played terrible. I’ve driven it poorly. I’ve not felt good with the putter. I haven’t chipped great. My irons have been average.”

Then there’s Mickelson’s latest controversy in the never-ending war between LIV and, well, everyone else.

This time Mickelson took aim at the USGA and its CEO, Mike Whan, for a ruling that likely will keep LIV golfer Talor Gooch out of next month’s U.S. Open even after Gooch won back-to-back LIV events last month.

But that really does not impress anyone other than Greg Norman.

Gooch believed he was exempt for the U.S. Open because he qualified for the Tour Championship. But he was not eligible to play in the PGA Tour’s season finale because of his decision to join LIV.

The USGA ruled a golfer not only had to qualify but also be eligible for the Tour Championship to play in their event.

That set off Mickelson who fired off a couple of vulgar, whiny tweets calling out Whan, asking how Gooch should not take that personally and saying it’s a direct attack on Gooch and his career.

The language got colorful and Mickelson doubled down in a second tweet.

Gooch had a chance to give Mickelson the last laugh by playing his way into the U.S. Open. He would have to be ranked in the top 60 of the Official World Golf Ranking on June 12.

He had a chance sitting at No. 63 this week. But missing the cut at 10-over ended that. Gooch shot 76-74.

Mickelson’s actions since the start of this war have not been a good look for himself or LIV. Of course, he is not the only one. This is true for some of those on both sides. But after LIV’s impressive showing at the Masters with Mickelson and Koepka sharing second behind Jon Rahm, and Patrick…