At P.G.A. Championship, It’s Thumbs-Up for Phil Mickelson Despite Struggles

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — In a hype video he posted on Instagram before the third round in the P.G.A. Championship at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course on Saturday, Phil Mickelson announced his goal for the day.

He wanted to issue 1,000 thumbs-up while on the course. Known for giving the gesture in celebration, Mickelson announced that he had been practicing his form while flexing his thumbs on the steering wheel of his courtesy vehicle. He referred to the process as thumb activation.

“As the putts go down, the thumbs are coming up,” he said.

When he birdied the second and fourth holes, it appeared Mickelson’s thumbs might get a workout. But then bogeys piled up…