One LIV Golf star may opt not to bow out after the US Open following a disastrous day one.

Phil Mickelson struggled on day one (Image: Getty)

Phil Mickelson endured a nightmare of an opening round at the US Open to all but end his hopes of landing the spoils.

The 53-year-old LIV Golf player has won every major in his career except the US Open, though his chances of completing the set at Pinehurst No. 2 were handed an almighty setback after the opening round of the tournament, with lady luck not on his side.

Mickelson concluded his first round on nine-over par in what could be an irreparable score with the standard set so high by his rivals.

Mickelson began his day with four consecutive bogeys which set the tone for the day. He bogeyed six of the front nine in total before hitting a further three on the back.

‘Lefty’ hinted that retirement was on the cards in an interview last month, and his regression has been visible over the past few majors. Such performances are unlikely to persuade him not to walk away from the sport – with his second-place finish at the 2023 Masters potentially his final hurrah.

Speaking to Bloomberg in May, Mickelson said: “I’m 53 now and my career – if I’m being truthful – it’s toward its end and now I would like to help others find the same enjoyment, fulfilment that the game of golf has provided me.

Phil Mickelson has spoken about potentially retiring recently (Image: Getty)

“There’s moments where you’re on a golf course alone and you have this solace… and you’re at peace. Or when you’re with your family and friends and you’re laughing and having a good time. Or when you’re competing in the club championship or the junior event and you’re feeling that competition

“Or when you’re playing golf at the highest level and competing against the best players in the world. All of that creates such fulfilment – whether you’re practising on your own or you’re with friends.

“There’s so many great things about this game of golf and I would love others to experience those.”

Mickelson wasn’t the only star who struggled on the opening day, with his playing partner Matteo Manassero hitting nine-over as well. The Italian hit a triple-bogey on the first and double-bogey on the second, with a further four bogeys rounding off proceedings in what was a poor showing from both players.