Phil Mickelson claims he knew what he was doing in surprising post-round interview

Interviewer Curtis Strange was flabbergasted.

The surprising thing about all of this is that Phil Mickelson has admitted that he didn't lose the plot on the 13th hole when he did this at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. https://twitter.com/Drunken_fan/status/1008052586312818689 Instead, in a surprising post-round interview, the American claimed that his decision to putt his moving ball back up the green was indeed a deliberate action. Mickelson insisted that he was well aware of the rules and that he knew a two shot penalty was coming his way for his indiscretion. Better that, he ensured his interviewer, than having to face into the tougher position his ball was destined for. Former professional golfer Curtis Strange caught up with Phil after his round and he asked him what had happened on 13, presumably expecting Phil to ensure him that he had suffered a brain freeze.

"I know it's a two shot penalty and at that time I just didn't feel like going back and forth and hitting the same shot. I took the two shot penalty and moved on," replied Phil. "No question it was going to go down into the same spot behind the bunker and I wasn't going to have a shot... I tried to hit it as close to the hole as I could and make the next one. You take the two shots and you move on." "It's meant to take advantage of the rules as best as you can... In that situation I'd gladly take the two shots rather than continuing that display."

https://twitter.com/ScottMichaux/status/1008078169092640768

"It's my understanding of the rules, I've had multiple times where I've wanted to do that, I just finally did. "I don't mean any disrespect and if that's the way people took it, I apologise to them."

Butch Harmon, speaking on Sky Sports was amazed at Phil's reaction, and a host of golfing fans felt it was a disrespectful attitude for Phil to have.

"I'm lost for words for what to say, I don't get it, I don't get it at all, especially coming from him," said Butch Harmon.