Golf legend Phil Mickelson has suggested that next week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club may mark his final appearance in the event that has long haunted his otherwise stellar career.
The six-time U.S. Open runner-up, now approaching his 55th birthday, acknowledged the likelihood during a press appearance ahead of this weekend’s LIV Golf event in Virginia. While he stopped short of a definitive retirement announcement, Mickelson admitted the tournament could be his last realistic shot at completing the elusive career grand slam.
“There’s a high likelihood that it will be [my last U.S. Open],” Mickelson said. “But I haven’t really thought about it too much.”
Mickelson, a six-time major champion, famously won the 2021 PGA Championship at age 50, becoming the oldest major winner in history. That victory earned him a five-year exemption into the U.S. Open — an exemption that expires this year.
With past near-misses in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013, the U.S. Open remains the only major title missing from Mickelson’s trophy case.
While he could still find future paths to qualify — through LIV standings, a special exemption, or the USGA’s qualifying process — Mickelson appears unsure if he will pursue any of them. “As far as my playing schedule, I don’t know the answer to that,” he said. “I want to be realistic too.”
Mickelson also remains uncertain about his future on the LIV Golf circuit, where he captains the HyFlyers team. Though he admits he’s played better this year, he made it clear that if his presence becomes a liability to the team, he won’t hesitate to step aside.
“I want this team to succeed… If I’m not helping, then it’s time for me to move on and let someone else step in,” he said.
For now, all eyes will be on Oakmont, where Mickelson will tee it up perhaps for the last time in pursuit of the major title that has most eluded him — and which would complete one of golf’s most iconic résumés.