Phil Mickelson: Solid Second Round Proves Lefty Isn't Finished Yet

It's hard to be encouraged while sitting at seven over par in a major tournament, but that's exactly how Phil Mickelson should feel after two rounds at the 2012 US Open.

Sure, being tied for 51st place isn't exactly where Lefty wanted to be. And yes, a World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time major winner shouldn't be content with just making the cut. But after his nightmare of a first round, which followed a similarly awful performance at the Memorial, Mickelson should be quite happy with his current standing.

After stringing together two of the worst rounds of his professional career, the 42-year-old Mickelson was starting to look like his days as an elite golfer were behind him.

He withdrew from the Memorial tournament two weeks ago after a seven-over 79. He had five bogeys, two double-bogeys and just two birdies that day, and whether it was based on frustration or embarrassment or both, Mickelson decided he'd had enough.

Unfortunately, his struggles followed him to the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

He smacked his first tee shot of the day into the gallery, and he didn't get much better from there. He bogeyed his first three holes (his worst start ever at the US Open) and seven overall to finish with a six-over 76. It was a horrible start to the tournament, and it looked like Lefty would be missing his second US Open cut in six years.

Luckily, Mickelson rebounded well on Day 2, proving that he's far from finished.

He made the proper adjustments, hitting the ball more accurately off the tee and toning down his aggressive style. His changes showed on the scorecard, as he had "just" three bogeys in the second round.

He finished the day with a one-over 71, and although it wasn't a shining performance by any means, it was exactly what Lefty needed.

He's now sitting at seven-over for the tournament. He's not in contention for the title, but if he improves again in his next two rounds, he may be able to make something magical happen.

More important than winning or finishing in the top 10, though, is the fact that Mickelson came through in the clutch. With the cut looming over his head like a guillotine, he was able to deliver.

It wasn't pretty and it doesn't meet the high standards that Lefty has set for himself, but it at least shows that his game is still intact. For now, that's all that matters.