Mickelson back to being second again

Phil Mickelson came up short on Sunday in his hunt for back-to-back major victories, finishing second in the U.S. Open for the third time in six years.

The American left-hander finally conquered the difficult greens of Augusta two months ago to claim his first major win at the U.S. Masters.

Needing a birdie to triumph, Mickelson made an 18-footer at the last hole to secure his first Green Jacket. In Sunday's final round at Shinnecock Hills, he had a par putt of eight feet at the 17th to stay tied for the lead with South African Retief Goosen.

But Mickelson took three putts for a double bogey and a familiar bridesmaid's role in the U.S. Open, two strokes adrift of winner Goosen.

"After I birdied 16 I had a one-shot lead and I thought this was going to be the day," Mickelson told reporters after his closing one-over 71 gave him a total of 278, two under.

"On 17, I don't know what to say...I hit an easy putt, hit it easy, because I knew it was quick. But it still shouldn't have gone six, seven feet by."

Starting the day two behind leader Goosen, Mickelson played solidly and was one adrift when he made the turn.

But bogeys on the par-four 10th and 12th took the deficit to three shots with six holes remaining. Mickelson then went on a run, playing the next four in three under.

When he birdied the 16th, Mickelson was tied for the lead.

"I certainly didn't really think about winning but I did feel like I had some momentum, was hitting some good shots and just needed to play the last two holes smart...see if I could make pars."

After narrowly missing out on U.S. Open glory for the third time, twice by a single shot, Mickelson must now regroup for the next major, the British Open at Troon next month.

"I've enjoyed the last two majors, I mean it's disappointing not to win, but I certainly have enjoyed the events," he said.

"I feel like my preparation has been better, I feel like my overall game is much more an accommodator or a better fit for this very tough test of golf."