A sombrero-wearing rabble-rouser was kicked out of the U.S. Open Thursday for heckling Phil Mickelson.
As the six-time major champion was lining up to putt on the ninth hole of the Los Angeles Country Club, his final hole of the day, the rowdy fan began screaming at Mickelson, 53, about Victoria’s Secret and LIV Golf.
The individual in question apparently heckled Mickelson about a “Victoria’s Secret sponsorship” and “red lipstick and nine-inch heels,” according to Golf.com, which suggested the attendee was reading from a script.
Mickelson, who has never been associated with the womenswear giant, was also called out for his ties to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.
“It’s all you need to work for the rest of your life, Phil,” the heckler continued. “They’re going to pay you $200 million as well.”
After a brief pause, the heckler continued.
“What about all the guys on the PGA Tour, Phil? Every single of them looked up to you for their entire careers. This is what you do to them, Phil? This is what you do to them?”
The heckler, who paired his sombrero with a fake mustache and a Hawaiian shirt, was then escorted out by security.
The crowd applauded when the heckler was removed, and Mickelson gave the audience a quick acknowledgment.
After Thursday’s opening round, in which he shot a 1-under 69, Mickelson declined to comment on the proposed merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, which could face some regulatory scrutiny from the United States government.
“Not yet because I don’t want to detract right now from this tournament and where I’m at,” Mickelson said. “I’m playing well. I want to get myself in contention. I’ll talk about it maybe after.”