Phil Mickelson tried a backwards shot at The Barclays and failed

Phil Mickelson has a thing for trying obscene shots at The Barclays.

A year ago, Mickelson played not once, but twice, from a carpeted hospitality area. On Saturday at Plainfield Country Club, Mickelson was at it again, this time trying to hit a backward shot on the 18th.

Mickelson’s drive landed on the downslope leading into a greenside bunker at the drivable hole. The left-hander faced a tricky wedge shot which, at best, would probably run through the green. So, Mickelson decided to try something unconventional. He tried to hit the ball backwards — that is, behind him — onto the green. It’s a trick shot Mickelson has demonstrated on video and has even pulled off in practice rounds, but it was especially gutsy to try in competition.

The shot didn’t work out, landing in the bunker Mickelson was trying to flop behind, but he hit a brilliant bunker shot for his third, leading to a par save. Mickelson shot 1-under 69 on Saturday, but is nine shots behind co-leaders Sang-moon Bae and Jason Day.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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