Report: Security remove Phil Mickelson LIV heckler (in sombrero?!) at US Open

Phil Mickelson was serenaded with abuse about LIV Golf during the opening round of the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Ben Smith

16 Jun 2023

Report: Security remove Phil Mickelson LIV heckler (in sombrero?!) at US Open — Report: Security remove Phil Mickelson LIV heckler (in sombrero?!) at US…

Phil Mickelson was reportedly hammered with abuse about LIV Golf by a heckler wearing a sombrero and a fake moustache during the opening round of the 2023 US Open.

A focused Mickelson arrived at Los Angeles Country Club just days after an agreement was announced between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Saudi Arabian backers of the rival league he helped to create in secret.

Understandably, Mickelson was in a chipper mood in the immediate aftermath of the bombshell that has knocked several players like Rory McIlroy for six.

Mickelson refused to talk about that before teeing it up in the major that he has never won, suggesting he didn't want to waste his energy on it.

He doubled down on that stance immediately after his opening 69.

Weird scene on 9 green — Phil Mickelson was standing over his putt when a guy in a sombrero started shouting from the bleachers. Kept going for a solid 30 seconds. Long story short…he’s not a fan.
Here’s the grainiest photo of all time right before security arrived: pic.twitter.com/e2eTzScqqD
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) June 16, 2023

Mickelson's day was interrupted by a rowdy heckler on the par-3 ninth hole at LACC.

Standing over a 28-foot putt for birdie, a fan wearing a fake moustache and a sombrero put Lefty on full blast.

Per a report by Golf, security had to climb into the stands to eject the fan who shouted at Mickelson:

"It's all you need to work for the rest of your life, Phil. They're going to pay you $200m as well.

"What about all the guys on the PGA Tour, Phil? Every single of them looked up to you for their entire careers. This is what you do to them, Phil? This is what you do to them?"

Mickelson just stood and waited for fan to be removed. Some fans shouted 'we love Phil' which drew some applause, Golf reported.

"I played okay. I hit a few swings coming down the stretch," Mickelson later told the media. "I made two bad swings that cost me a few strokes, but I hit a lot of good shots."

So is he willing to talk about the agreement between golf's parties now?

Mickelson said:

"Not yet because I don't want to detract right now from this tournament and where I'm at. I'm playing well. I want to get myself in contention. I'll talk about it maybe after."

Mickelson wasn't the only LIV Golf player targeted by a heckler on the opening day. Dustin Johnson was also on the receiving end of a dig that was a clear nod to his infamous past.