Phil Mickelson is playing in what could be his final U.S. Open this week
Phil Mickelson will be teeing it up tomorrow in the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and it could be his final time playing in America's national championship.
Mickelson, 54, has one of the most decorated careers in golf history, including six majors, but he's missing one thing in his trophy case -- the U.S. Open. He's finished as a runner-up at the U.S. Open six times.
The man known as "Lefty" is playing in his fourth U.S. Open at Oakmont,
Following his practice round on Wednesday, fans crowded around the 9th green, trying to get autographs and perhaps, one last chance to see Mickelson play at the U.S. Open as he looks to complete the elusive career grand slam.
Mickelson won the PGA Championship in 2021 at Kiawah Island, earning him five years worth of exemptions into the U.S. Open, which run out at the end of this year.
With those exemptions running out, Mickelson was recently asked about whether this would be his last appearance at the U.S. Open and he said he hadn't given it much thought.
"I haven't thought about it too much," Mickelson said. "There's a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven't thought about it too much."
USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said Wednesday that if Mickelson indeed runs out of exemptions, the organization would review the possibility of providing one for next year's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills like they did in 2021.
"I think the way that we would also think of Phil is we hope he earns his way in, and I think he'd tell you the same thing," Bodenhamer said. "That's what he did last time. We gave him one and then he went out and won the PGA Championship. So I wouldn't put it past him."
Mickelson will start his opening round of the U.S. Open on Thursday at 8:02 a.m. off of the 10th tee.
COMPLETE U.S. OPEN COVERAGE:
- PHOTOS: Practice rounds from the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
- Oakmont's "magnificent" and "relentless" traits define why it's meant to host the U.S. Open
- It's going to be hot and sunny for the start of the U.S. Open
- The U.S. Open at Oakmont is going to be really hard. Here's what the players think about the course.
- A look at the U.S. Open's luxurious club seating, featuring chefs, an open bar and impeccable views
- Matt Vogt is embracing his emotions and chasing his dream of playing in the U.S. Open
- Oakmont businesses excited to cash in on U.S. Open
- Here's some of the U.S. Open food and drink menu items at Oakmont Country Club
- From U.S. Open merchandise to concessions, here's what fans can expect at Oakmont
- Here's who has qualified for the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
- Thousands of volunteers recruited to help with the U.S. Open
- Oakmont Country Club hoping for firm and fast conditions for the U.S. Open
- Oakmont Country Club "ready to rock" for U.S. Open after extensive course renovations
