Hard to hit a moving golf ball if it sinks in the cup.

Phil Mickelson saved par on the 13th hold on Sunday and raised his arm in mock celebration, with a big smile on his face. Lefty was 2-under after the hole, where on Saturday he purposely whacked his golf ball back toward the hole as it was rolling off the green for a two-shot penalty.

The golf world was in a better mood a day later, with the U.S. Open not appearing as tough with the trophy at stake.

After the third-round conditions prompted complaints from some of the world’s best players, Open officials promised to make things easier at Shinnecock Hills for the final round.

The USGA said overnight watering would reduce green speeds, and hole locations would be set up to be more accessible to players. The moves came after an uproar among players, who felt the course was unfair.

In the last 22 groups on Saturday, no one even matched par-70 on the treacherous layout.

The early results Sunday showed the move was paying off. Rickie Fowler was 5-under through 13 holes and Hideki Matsuyama was 4-under through nine holes.