Why fathers come first at the US Open this week

Glorious sunshine covered the Erin Hills links like honey on hotcakes yesterday, and doomed the dream of Phil Mickelson to compete at the 117th US Open.

Mickelson needed a weather delay of a few hours in order to attend the high school graduation of his oldest child, Amanda, who was valedictorian of her class, in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and fly privately and make it in time for his opening round tee time.

“It’s strange not having a horse in the race,” said Steve Loy, Mickelson’s long-time agent, watching the telecast from the player locker room. “I’m hurting. So is Phil.”