Phil Mickelson Confident, Lefty is Not Done at US Open

Newsweek

5 hours ago

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After missing the cut at the US Open, Phil Mickelson walked off the 18th green at Oakmont with a quiet nod to the sparse crowd, a soft wave, and a lingering glance at the leaderboard. It felt like goodbye.
Especially after his statement, "There's a high likelihood that it will be," earlier that week when asked if the 2025 U.S. Open would be his last.
The 54-year-old had missed the cut by one stroke, carding back-to-back 74s to finish 8-over. He handed out golf gloves to walking officials in the rain, shook hands with volunteers, and declined media requests.
But less than two weeks later, the 6-time major champion seems to be rethinking that sentiment.
GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JUNE 06: Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC reacts to a putt at the 12th green on day one of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on June 06, 2025...
GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JUNE 06: Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC reacts to a putt at the 12th green on day one of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on June 06, 2025 in Gainesville, Virginia. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
Speaking at the LIV Golf Dallas press conference on Thursday, Mickelson offered a different tone. "So I said it's very possibly my last, and I think that's real," he acknowledged.
"However, I also feel like I'm starting to play some good golf, and I've had—this year has been my best year on LIV. I've had three top-6 finishes and some opportunities to win."
The numbers back him up. Mickelson finished solo third at LIV Golf Hong Kong in March, shooting 67-65-64 for a 14-under total. That was his best result since joining the league in 2022.
He followed that with a T4 at LIV Golf Virginia in June, where he shot 67-68-65. And if that was not enough, he currently ranks 11th in the LIV individual standings with 55.68 points.
"If I play like that in some upcoming major championships, that could ultimately qualify me into another U.S. Open," he stated. "I don't want to say it's my last".
Mickelson's five-year exemption into the U.S. Open, earned with his 2021 PGA Championship win, expired this year.
Without it, his path back would require a top-10 finish in a major, a high enough position in the OWGR, or a special exemption from the USGA.
He could also attempt to qualify through sectional qualifying, something he hasn't done since 1993.
GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JUNE 06: Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC tees off from the 13th tee on day one of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on June 06, 2025 in Gainesville,...
GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA - JUNE 06: Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC tees off from the 13th tee on day one of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on June 06, 2025 in Gainesville, Virginia. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
"I actually think I'm playing well enough that if I can play at the level I've played at out here in majors again, I'll finish high enough to get into a U.S. Open via that qualifying avenue," he added.
"So I don't want to say that it is my last because I think I'm going to contend in the—I'm in the other three majors for a lot of years, and it could very well get me into the U.S. Open again."
Lefty has been chasing the career Grand Slam since 2004, and the U.S. Open remains the lone missing piece. He has finished runner-up six times, more than any player in history, most recently in 2013 at Merion.
For now, his showdown at the LIV Golf Dallas on Friday is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET at Maridoe Golf Club. If his recent form holds, the door to Shinnecock in 2026 may not be closed just yet.
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