Phil Mickelson struggles with 75 in Masters opening round

A Rough Start for the Three-Time Champion

Phil Mickelson’s hopes of another Masters resurgence took a major hit on Thursday, as the 54-year-old carded a 3-over-par 75 in the opening round at Augusta National Golf Club. The round leaves him in danger of missing the cut for the first time in nearly a decade, and only the fourth time in 32 appearances at golf’s most iconic major.

The three-time Masters winner didn’t speak with media after his round, instead telling officials, “C’mon guys, I shot 75 today. I haven’t ate all day. I’ll catch you tomorrow.”

An Uncharacteristic Day at Augusta

Mickelson’s round was marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities. He shot 39 on the front nine, struggled to find fairways, and made bogeys on both 17 and 18 to close the day. He hit just 8 of 14 fairways and converted only 2 of 4 sand saves.

His lone standout moment came on the 185-yard par-3 16th, where he delighted fans by dropping a tee shot within five feet of the hole and converting the putt for birdie. However, the momentum quickly evaporated.

On the 17th, Mickelson's drive sailed left, nearly reaching the seventh green. Though he managed to recover and reach the putting surface, his par attempt missed and frustration boiled over with a groan and leg kick.

The struggles continued on 18, where a bunker shot failed to save par, capping off a frustrating finish to a round that started poorly and never fully recovered.

History and Expectations

Mickelson’s legacy at Augusta is undeniable. He won his first green jacket in 2004, followed by titles in 2006 and 2010, when he joined an elite group of eight players with three or more Masters victories.

In 2023, he thrilled fans by finishing tied for second with a final-round 65, the best closing round by a player over 50 in Masters history. That performance reignited belief that Mickelson could again contend at Augusta, despite his departure from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in 2021.

Fred Couples Outshines Mickelson at 65

While Mickelson’s 75 was a letdown, 65-year-old Fred Couples turned back the clock with a 1-under 71, reminding golf fans that age alone is not a limiting factor at Augusta.

Mickelson, meanwhile, came into the tournament with positive momentum. He had finished inside the top six in two of his last three LIV events, including one in Miami just last week.

Phil Mickelson’s Thursday at Augusta wasn’t the storybook continuation of his Masters legacy fans hoped for—but with one more round to play before the cut is finalized, the golf legend still has a slim chance to turn it around. For now, the echoes of past greatness will have to wait, and Augusta’s demanding layout again proves it offers no guarantees, not even to a three-time champion.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for continued coverage of the 2025 Masters and the biggest stories from Augusta National.