Phil: “If nobody hit a green, I feel like my chances are the best"

Intriguing quote from Phil Mickelson, as quoted by Sean Martin of PGATour.com covering the FedEx St. Jude Classic, that might sound weird at first reading:

“If nobody hit a green, I feel like my chances are the best,” he said. “I’m excited about the prospect of a U.S. Open that has (the) short game as such an important element.”

I think this was the nicest way he could say that Pinehurst is all about scrambling, and I would agree.

If there is a U.S. Open course where players will miss a lot of greens, it's Pinehurst. A few of the pinched landing areas may force some longer irons in, while the sandy waste will probably result in a few more greens hit and a lot more recovery shots missing.

Which is why I love scramblers this week, if there is such a thing anymore. Something to factor in for your fantasy picks and pools. Not that I condone gambling of any kind.