Star group of Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth crashes at Shinnecock

Three holes into his 27th U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson called over a rules official for a question rarely heard. “Is there a rule that allows me to see the ball when I hit it?” he asked. There was no relief for Mickelson. Not on the 12th hole at Shinnecock Hills. Not at many others. And he wasn’t alone. Mickelson was in the marquee group Thursday morning, which featured three players who have a dozen majors among them. And because USGA officials try to have a sense of humor, they put together the only three active players who have three legs of the career Grand Slam. Mickelson shot a 77. He had the lowest score in the group. Jordan Spieth shot a 78, his highest score in a major. Rory McIlroy, who