Phil Mickelson at US Open will need 'minor miracle' to compete for title, Paul Azinger says

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Phil Mickelson probably won’t be able to make the U.S. Open cut and compete for his first win at the major tournament, former star golfer Paul Azinger said Sunday.

Mickelson is coming off a poor performance at the first 54-hole LIV Golf tournament at Centurion Golf Club in London and hasn’t competed against top PGA Tour stars in several months. Not to mention, The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, is one of the toughest courses in the sport.

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Phil Mickelson gives a thumbs up to cheering fans during his practice round at the Brookline Country Club on June 14, 2022. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

"I predict that, if Phil’s missing the cut, like on Friday afternoon or something, it can get pretty rough on him," Azinger told reporters during a media availability, via Golf.com. "I just think – this is a big step these guys have made. They’ve changed the game forever probably. But I agree, he is so popular. … And people do forgive. If it’s Phil Mickelson – I’ve always loved Phil Mickelson. He’s always been great to my kids. I’ll always appreciate him for that."

Mickelson has taken a lot of heat for participating in LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league rivaling the PGA Tour, but Azinger said he didn’t think "Lefty" was going to persevere and win the tournament.

Paul Azinger watches his tee shot during the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Aug. 13, 2009, in Chaska, Minnesota. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

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"I don’t necessarily agree with everything he’s ever done, that’s for sure, but if he does get in