There were no 63s, no rallies from seven strokes behind for Phil Mickelson on Saturday.
Phil Mickelson under investigation for possible insider trading
The latest golfer dealing with a major off-the-course issue, Mickelson shot an even-par 72 during the third round of the Memorial to remain 2-under for the tournament and 10 strokes behind new leader Bubba Watson.
According to ESPN.com, Mickelson confirmed that FBI agents approached him earlier this week about an insider trading investigation. He pleaded his innocence.
Mickelson isn't tearing up the golf course the way Rory McIlroy did for five rounds following his announcement that he was breaking off his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.
Caroline Wozniacki curses Rory McIlroy?
On Saturday, ESPN.com described the Mickelson's situation.
"Smiling as he stood before a room packed with reporters and cameras, Mickelson said the case had not been a distraction until FBI agents approached him after his opening round Thursday," ESPN.com reported.
Mickelson told media on Saturday that his goal was to prevent the investigation from seeping into his golf game.
"It's not going to change the way I carry myself," Mickelson said. "Honestly, I've done nothing wrong. I'm not going to walk around any other way.
"I think that as a player you have to be able to block out whatever is going on off the golf course and be able to focus on the golf course."
To prove it, Mickelson went out and shot a 2-under on Friday. He didn't exactly put himself in a position to win the tournament. McIlroy won the BMW PGA Championship with a 14-under scorecard. He posted a 6-under 66 during the final round to erase a seven-shot deficit.
McIlroy then shot a 9-under 63 in the opening round of the Memorial.
Media and fellow golfers rushed to support McIlroy, admiring his ability to put his personal life aside and play winning golf. Later, McIlroy's achievement lost some of its luster when his claim that the breakup was mutual turned out to be false and that he reportedly broke up with Wozniacki on the phone.
Mickelson had just one fan shout to him at the turn on Saturday, "Take care of business, Phil!"
Asked to describe his round Saturday, Mickelson said with a grin, "Interesting. Most of my rounds are, but just for other reasons."
Mickelson is dealing with a serious situation and is fighting to keep his focus. McIlroy seemed to be energized by his serious situation.
Do you think the FBI investigation will affect Phil Mickelson when the U.S. Open starts in two weeks?
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