Phil Mickelson implodes at Masters as LIV Golf star makes brutal four-putt

Phil Mickelson booked his weekend place at the Masters after making the cut at four-over-par on Friday, but things did not go to plan for the LIV Golf star on moving day

Phil Mickelson made a torrid four-putt at the par-four fourth during his third round at the Masters on Saturday, as the LIV Golf star endured a tricky outing on moving day.

Mickelson ensured he would play all 72 holes at Augusta National this week, after the American found himself sat at four-over-par through 36 holes, two shots inside the six-over cut-line. Mickelson was no doubt keen to kick on Saturday, as conditions eased for the weekend after a turbulent first two days.

Things however got off to a nightmare start for the three-time champion though, as he followed opening pars at the first and second with a dismal triple bogey seven at the par-three third.

The third hole at the iconic Georgia course is a birdie chance for many, with the short par-four standing at 350-yards. And despite finding the bunker down the left, Mickelson had just 96 yards left to the green, and with a short game as good as his, no doubt still had birdie on his mind.

His effort from the sand skipped just past the hole, finishing just off the fringe at the back of the putting surface. He then opted to play a low-runner into the green with his wedge but caught his attempt too hot, as he watched his ball sail past the hole.

Now looking to save par Mickelson had a putt back across the green, however his effort finished low of the hole and once again rolled by. Unfortunately for the six-time major champion his misery with the flat stick was for from over though, as his bogey attempt from three-feet missed.

Clearly full of frustration the damage continued, as he went on to miss his double-bogey putt, before finally tidying up from around six-feet to sign for a triple bogey seven. The chaos at the third saw Mickelson jump from four-over-par to seven-over in a matter of seconds, in a moment to forget for the American.

Ever the professional, the 53-year-old did show his experience after steadying the ship with as seven-straight pars followed. He then went on to bogey par-four 11th, but responded well by bouncing back with an immediate birdie following a superb tee shot into the par-three 12th green.

A second birdie soon followed at the par-five 15th, before he ended his third round with three straight pars to sign for a two-over-par 74 on Saturday. Mickelson will be hoping he can replicate the form he found at last year’s Masters when he returns to the action on Sunday.

From nowhere ‘Lefty’ banked himself a tied-second finish alongside Brooks Koepka in 2023, as he rolled back the years in his final round. Showing exactly why he is a three-time major champion around Augusta National, Mickelson finished his week with a superb six-under 66, to finish four shots behind Jon Rahm.