Phil Mickelson talks LIV Golf, PGA Tour, fans' reception as part of U.S. Open news conference

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson drove into the players' parking lot at The Country Club, the site of this week's U.S. Open, at exactly 12:46 p.m ET Monday in a USGA-issued white Lexus SUV.

Mickelson's scheduled news conference, his first in the United States since he took a leave of absence from competitive golf in February and his first since he competed in the LIV Golf Invitational Series, was 14 minutes away. As two golf carts waited to escort him to the overcrowded tent where it would take place, Mickelson simply waited. For just over 10 minutes, he stayed seated in his car and barely moved. His manager, Peter Davis, opened a door and sat with him.

By the time Mickelson exited the vehicle, all eyes were on him. He emerged wearing all black — the stubble and the no-hat look from last week's LIV appearance outside London remained (Mickelson said he's kept his facial hair because his wife, Amy, likes it). The blacked-out Augusta National logo that made a brief appearance last week on his vest was gone, and no other sponsors or logos were present on what he wore but his own. His 2022 U.S. Open player badge bearing his name was fastened — a sign that he had already been on location.

Mickelson stepped into the cart being driven by Davis and greeted the police officers escorting him in the cart ahead.

«How are you guys doing? Thanks for all your help,» he said sheepishly. The short drive to the interview area gave way to Mickelson stepping up to the podium, giving a statement and then asking, «Any questions?»

Mickelson, who has famously vented his frustration with the USGA and golf's other governing bodies during his career, pondered his answers and carefully chose his words while answering what