Mickelson: 2025 US Open Likely My Last
- Phil Mickelson, the six-time major champion, is considering that the upcoming U.S.
- Mickelson, 54, secured a five-year U.S.Open exemption after his historic 2021 PGA Championship victory, where he became the oldest major winner at 50.
- When asked about potentially entering qualifying, Mickelson remained noncommittal.
Phil Mickelson suggests the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont could be his last,signaling the potential end of an illustrious era for the six-time major champion. With his five-year exemption from the 2021 PGA Championship win expiring, Mickelson, now 54, faces a pivotal decision: enter qualifying or seek a special exemption. The prospect of his final U.S.Open appearance mirrors Arnold Palmer’s 1994 farewell at Oakmont. Mickelson, the primarykeyword in this story, aims to complete a career grand slam, a feat that woudl cement his legacy alongside golf’s titans. Currently fifteenth in LIV golf standings, Mickelson could earn an automatic berth. The secondarykeyword, U.S.Open, remains elusive for him, with six runner-up finishes. For coverage on this story and more, turn to News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for Lefty?
Phil Mickelson’s U.S. Open Future in Question at Oakmont
Phil Mickelson, the six-time major champion, is considering that the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club might be his last. This year’s tournament marks a potential end to an era, echoing Arnold Palmer’s final U.S. Open appearance there in 1994.
Mickelson, 54, secured a five-year U.S.Open exemption after his historic 2021 PGA Championship victory, where he became the oldest major winner at 50. That exemption concludes this year, leaving his future participation uncertain. Without it,Mickelson would need to navigate a two-stage qualifying process or rely on a special invitation from the USGA to compete in future U.S. Open championships.
When asked about potentially entering qualifying, Mickelson remained noncommittal. “I haven’t thought that far [ahead],” Mickelson said. Another avenue for automatic qualification exists: the leading player in LIV Golf’s final individual standings, provided they aren’t already exempt, will receive a spot. Mickelson currently stands 15th.
This year’s U.S. Open represents Mickelson’s last chance to complete a career grand slam, a feat achieved by only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and Rory McIlroy. The U.S. Open is the only major championship that has eluded Mickelson, despite a record six runner-up finishes, the most recent in 2013. Nonetheless, Mickelson’s place in golf history is secure, with his six major titles ranking him among the game’s elite.
Mickelson also addressed his broader playing schedule, crediting his HyFlyers teammates with revitalizing his enthusiasm. “As far as my playing schedule, I don’t know the answer to that,” Mickelson said. “I think that my desire and energy and excitement to play, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I’m on this team and get to spend time with these guys.”
“I haven’t thought about it too much,” Mickelson said ahead of the LIV Golf event in Virginia this week. “There’s a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven’t really thought about it too much.”
What’s next
Looking ahead, Mickelson acknowledges the realities of age and the importance of contributing to his team’s success. He emphasized that if he feels he is no longer an asset, he would step aside to allow another player to contribute. As the U.S. Open approaches, the golf world watches to see if Mickelson can seize this potential last opportunity at Oakmont.