Mickelson arrives at Brookline as wild US Open week awaits

BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — Luke Gannon is playing in his first U.S. Open and had one of those moments that made him realize this was a stage unlike any other the Kansan has played. It was a bit awkward, too.

He looked down 131 yards to the 11th green to find a tiny target on the shortest hole at The Country Club. Off to the left of the green waiting on him to hit was a player wearing white shorts, a black shirt, remnants of a beard, no hat and someone in no hurry.

Phil Mickelson was carrying only a wedge and a putter and waved him through.

The Sunday before U.S. Open week is rarely more peaceful with only a few dozen players getting a look at the course, some caddies arriving ahead of their players to walk the course and check the yardages.

The peace won't last long, and this time isn't all about the U.S. Open and its reputation as the toughest test in golf.

Mickelson had arrived from London where he was among a dozen players at the U.S. Open who took part in the Saudi-funded debut of the LIV Golf Invitational. Half of those players were PGA Tour members a few weeks ago. Mickelson still is, choosing not to resign his membership.

The first official day of practice on Monday includes Mickelson in the first press conference of the week, where it's likely he'll face more questions about the lucrative LIV Golf renegade circuit than his bid to finally ended 30 years of frustration at the only major he hasn't won.

Mickelson didn't want to share any of those thoughts until Monday. He went about his work, placing four hole-sized placards around the green to practice.

The topic is unavoidable and threatens to overshadow the second-oldest championship in golf held at Brookline, one of the five founding golf clubs when the USGA was