Disqualification. In a word, that’s what should have happened to Phil Mickelson on Saturday, following one of the most bizarre moments in the history of professional golf. Lefty will be remembered for his five Majors, his six runner-up spots in the US Open, and his incredible short game, but his antics on Saturday at Shinnecock have tarnished his legacy.

TIGER WOODS, the 2/1 pre-tournament favourite, yesterday made his worst ever start to a major championship and is in danger of missing his first cut after 36 appearances as a professional.

FIRST, it was Ben Curtis in the 2003 Open Championship at Royal St Georges. Then came Shaun Micheel a few months later in the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill.