Phil’s Open WD & Rory’s Wimbledon Backlash - July 2nd, 2026

On July 2nd, 2026, we break down Phil Mickelson's major withdrawal amidst serious allegations, Rory McIlroy's controversial tennis cameo, and the emotional highs and lasagna-induced lows of The Open Final Qualifying.PHIL MICKELSON & THE OPENPhil Mickelson has officially withdrawn from The Open Championship amidst disturbing sexual misconduct allegations and an expulsion from The Farms Golf Club, marking the first Open since 1993 without either Mickelson or Tiger Woods.Ashley Perez alleged she received unsolicited texts and a nude photo, stating she felt like she "was being groomed," while Mickelson's attorney claims the allegations "revisit mistakes he has already acknowledged."This marks the end of an incredible era, as it will be the first Open Championship in 33 years without golf's two biggest modern icons teeing it up.RORY MCILROY'S WIMBLEDON CONTROVERSYAfter receiving a PGA Tour medical exemption to play just nine events this season, Rory McIlroy sparked massive fan outrage by showing up to Wimbledon sporting his iconic Masters Green Jacket.One viral fan post perfectly captured the frustration, stating Rory has "no time to play golf... but has time to go to a tennis match."Rory revealed the strict Augusta National wardrobe rules during the appearance, noting he actually had to "get permission every time" he wanted to wear the Green Jacket off club grounds.THE OPEN FINAL QUALIFYINGFinal Qualifying delivered ultimate heartbreak and triumph, from Dustin Johnson snapping a 16-year major streak with a withdrawal, to Sergio Garcia missing the cut by seven strokes after a disastrous afternoon round at West Lancashire.Sergio blamed his afternoon 75 on bad lasagna, admitting he "felt like I was going to vomit pretty much on every hole."27-year-old amateur David Howard, who battles cystic fibrosis, heroically shot 69 and 71 at Dundonald Links to qualify, hoping to show the CF community that "anything is possible."JOHN DEERE CLASSIC PREVIEWThe youth movement is taking over TPC Deere Run this week, highlighted by 21-year-old Jackson Koivun making his highly anticipated pro debut alongside 19-year-old birdie machine Blades Brown.Analyst Brian Giuffra believes Brown "could be the young star to emerge victorious," while Cody Williams praised Koivun's "immense" talent.While the teenagers and rookies steal the headlines, betting favorite Ben Griffin and course specialist Denny McCarthy are lurking as the seasoned veterans to beat.Quick HitsPadraig Harrington defends his US Senior Open title at Scioto Country Club • Harrington roasts modern pros complaining about schedules: "Who would not want to do what I do?... I get to do it thirty times a year." • Dustin Johnson officially snaps a 16-year Open streak with his Final Qualifying WD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.