Does Phil Mickelson Want the U.S. Open Too Much?

(Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson now holds a U. S. Open record that I am sure he does not want.

On Monday afternoon, Mickelson finished second for the fifth time. Five times, Mickelson he has been runner up, with three of them happening in New York.

Mickelson openly admitted that he wants this major. His wife wanted him to win it and bring the trophy to her hospital room. I would go out on a limb and say that he would trade in his two Green Jackets for one silver trophy.

So is it possible that he wants it too badly?

In a word: Yes.

This is the one major that he dreams about. To be champion of his own country's tournament would be an honor.

The critics of Lefty have pointed out his inability to hit crucial putts in the late rounds. They say he does not have the killer instinct of a Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, or Arnold Palmer.

Lefty has semi-shredded those opinions with two wins at The Masters and one at The Players.

Twice he shared the lead, but was unable to ride the roars of the gallery to an Open Championship.

From the time the world learned of his wife's diagnoses of breast cancer, he became the sentimental favorite. Everyone in the gallery and watching on TV was rooting for him.

Will Lefty ever conquer his demons at the Open? Only time will tell if he will, but given his passion and drive, I would not bet against him.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?