Mickelson's Last Dance at the US Open: Can He Secure the Career Grand Slam?
Ace golfer Mickelson envisions his final tournament run
Get ready for a thrilling showdown at the 125th US Open as veteran golf pro, Phil Mickelson, takes the stage at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Despite being 54, Mickelson could make history as the seventh golfer to complete a career Grand Slam. But there's a twist—his association with the LIV Golf Tour may change the game.
Last seen acing an impossible shot at a practice round, Mickelson sent spectators into ecstasy and was hailed as the "maestro of the short game." With the US Open set to begin on Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Lefty claim his seventh major title and earn a place in golfing immortality?
While eligibility for other majors, such as the Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open, remains unaffected, Mickelson's appearances at the US Open may be limited. His qualification opportunities are restricted due to his LIV Golf partnership. As it stands, this may very well be Mickelson's final chance to capture the coveted US Open trophy.
"I haven't given it much thought yet," admitted Mickelson, who recently shared fourth place at the LIV tournament in Gainesville, Virginia. "But it's quite likely that this is my last US Open," he added. Age, coupled with his LIV Golf association, is working against the seasoned pro.
Golf's Elusive Crown
Mickelson has had six near misses at the US Open, with his last runner-up finish coming in 2013. While it's unusual for a player with Mickelson's pedigree to miss out on a major title, the US Open has proven to be an enigma. Notable golfers like Ernie Els, Thomas Bjørn, and Colin Montgomerie have all finished second multiple times without ever clinching the title.
LIV Golf and US Open Qualification
Despite joining the controversial LIV Golf Tour, Mickelson's eligibility for the US Open is determined by standard USGA exemption rules rather than his association with LIV Golf. Mickelson won his exemption into the 2021 PGA Championship and subsequently earned a five-year exemption into major championships, including the US Open, for his victory. But once his five-year exemption concludes after 2025, Mickelson will no longer have automatic entry into the US Open.
However, there's a silver lining. Starting in 2025, the leading player in the final individual standings of the 2024 LIV Golf League (who is not already exempt) will earn a spot in the 2025 US Open. Currently, Mickelson ranks 15th in the LIV Golf standings, so he may need to qualify through other means or secure a special invite.
The Final Round: Oakmont
The prestigious Oakmont Country Club, known for its challenging layout and tough greens, will test Mickelson's mettle as he tries to secure the career Grand Slam. Weather conditions, although usually unpredictable, will play a significant role in determining the outcome. With Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Stephan Jaeger (the only German competitor) also in the mix, it's going to be an electric atmosphere at Oakmont.
Let the games begin! Who will reign supreme at the end of the day? Will age be just a number for Mickelson, or will his LIV Golf association disrupt his hopes of adding the US Open trophy to his collection? Stay tuned for an epic showdown at the 125th US Open.
Sources: ntv.de, dbe/sid, Golf Digest, Sports Illustrated
- Golf
- Saudi Arabia
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision regarding Mickelson's eligibility for future US Open tournaments due to his association with the LIV Golf Tour, whose major backer is Saudi Arabia. Despite the controversy, Mickelson's impressive golf skills and determination to secure the career Grand Slam could make his final participation in the US Open a memorable spectacle in the world of sports.
