DEREK LAWRENSON: Saudi rebels can thank Boston Celtics for low-key hostility on US Open opening day

Phil Mickelson was spared the humiliation of an American crowd turning on him in any great numbers on the opening day of the US Open. All the indignities on his 52nd birthday centred around his scorecard.

There were double bogeys to take into account, there was a four-putt from no distance at all. He signed for a horrible 78 to all but guarantee the likelihood of him experiencing something on Friday that he won’t have to worry about in his new future with the Saudis – a missed halfway cut.

As the biggest Saudi stooge of all, there was naturally plenty of intrigue as to what reception the long-time darling of the crowd and a six-time bridesmaid in this event would get in his first competitive round in America for four months.

As he waited on the first tee, the toll that his time in exile had taken on him was all too obvious. With considerable stubble, dark shades, largely logo-free and blowing his cheeks out continuously in gestures of obvious nervousness, the cocksure character of old was barely recognizable.

Mickelson was given a reception that was certainly respectful, if hardly filled with the full-throated reverence of old. There was certainly no ‘happy birthday’ rendition to the man who turned 52, as there would have been in happier, less divisive times.

The transformation didn’t end with his appearance. What happened to the game of the man who become the oldest winner in majors history just over a year ago? This was probably his final realistic chance to complete the career Grand Slam, and it turned out to be not realistic at all.

Out on the course, Mickelson came in for some sporadic harassment, although only what he would have expected. ‘We used to love you, Phil,’ came one forlorn cry. ‘Hey Phil – greed is good,’ was another.

It’s invariably Friday afternoon, with the weekend in sight and the beers on tap, that the abuse usually flows. To that end, the US Golf Association did their best to limit the damage by giving every one of the high-profile LIV rebels a late tee-time on Thursday followed by an early one today.

The pick of them was Dustin Johnson, who shot 68 in the more difficult afternoon conditions. Bryson DeChambeau, subject to a cry of ‘overpaid and overrated’ as he made his way to the first tee, did his best to counter the last of those claims with a creditable 71.