Mickelson's Last Dance: A Fight Against Time for Golf's Golden Oldie at the US Open
Golfing prodigy Mickelson envisions his final championship pursuit
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In the twilight of his career, Phil Mickelson aims to etch his name further into golfing history by fetching the US Open title - a feat that would make him the seventh golfer ever to attain the career Grand Slam. With his magic shot at the preparatory tournament setting hearts ablaze, Mickelson is determined to pull off the impossible at this year's US Open.
As the ball disappeared into the hole, Phil Mickelson let out a jubilant "Wooooh!" and raised his arms, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The commentator couldn't help but shower the legendary maestro of short game with praise. And for a moment, it felt as if Mickelson had already clinched the US Open. But the third major of the year is yet to begin, with the tournament kick-off scheduled for this Thursday. Yet, one magical shot at an impossible angle during the preparatory tournament has reignited hopes of Mickelson's historic feat.
This year's US Open, hosted at the highly challenging Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, may offer Mickelson his last shot at achieving the career Grand Slam. With his 55th birthday approaching on the day after the tournament final on Sunday, age might be catching up to the veteran. But it's not just his age that poses a challenge. Mickelson can only tee off at the US Open one more time this year.
"I haven't thought much about it," admitted Mickelson, who finished fourth at the recent LIV tournament in Gainesville, Virginia, thanks to his awe-inspiring shot. "But it's pretty likely that this will be my final appearance."
Golf Majors: A Nickname of ClassAs a professional golfer part of the LIV Tour, funded largely by Saudi Arabia's billions, Mickelson's opportunities for major tournament qualification are significantly limited. His participation in the LIV Golf does not hinder his eligibility for the Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open, since he has already claimed victories at these tournaments [1]. He is entitled to play at the Masters and PGA Championship for life, while at the British Open, he can compete until the age of 60.
However, the US Open remains an exception. Mickelson's exemption has expired, and his qualification for the 2025 US Open remains unaffected by his participation in the LIV Tour [2][3]. But after the exemption ends, Mickelson would need to rely on qualifying events or secure a special invitation from the USGA to compete in future US Opens. Given that the top 60 golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking are awarded automatic invites [3], Mickelson's exclusion from these points makes it challenging to maintain a ranking high enough for a spot.
While many believe it's highly improbable that Mickelson will outperform the 155 competitors, including golfing superstars Scottie Scheffler from the US and Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, as well as the lone German participant, Munich's Stephan Jaeger, dreaming is allowed.
"I've been playing better this season," said Mickelson, who has faced criticism for his association with the LIV Tour. "I feel less hindered than I did in the past two years." And he might just need that magic touch more than ever to secure the elusive US Open title.
Sources:[1] https://www.ntv.de/sport/Golf/2205308_LIV-Golf-2022-US-Open-Mickelson.html[2] https://www.ntv.de/sport/Golf/2205104_Mickelson-will- immer-blumen-traumen.html[3] https://www.golfdigest.com/story/phil-mickelson-us-open-final-qualifier[4] https://www.golfchannel.com/news/ryan-lavner-phil-mickelson-mickelson-how-us-open-chances-impacted-lsg-golf-liv
- Golf
- Saudi Arabia
- LIV Tour
The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a regulation on the eligibility of golfers participating in the LIV Tour, which might affect Phil Mickelson's future participation in sports-analysis such as the US Open. Despite the challenges and the looming expiration of his US Open exemption, Mickelson's exceptional performance in sports like golf, such as the recent preparatory tournament, keeps the dream of clinching the career Grand Slam alive, especially in tennis-like events like the US Open.
