Phil Mickelson Expresses belief that Oakmont may serve as his last US Open appearance
Chillin' with Mickelson: Last Dance at Oakmont - Maybe
As the clubs go into action at Oakmont, Phil Mickelson confesses, it might just be his final waltz at the prestigious US Open.
Mickelson is all set to make his 34th appearance at the US Open at Oakmont, which marks the last year of his five-year exemption following his 2021 PGA Championship victory.
Afterward, the trail for a spot in the 2026 US Open looks murky. Apart from the two places up for grabs through LIV Golf, either by being the overall individual standings leader this year or securing a top-three spot in May 2026, possibilities are limited.
A six-time Major champion, Mickelson has come close, finishing runner-up a stunning six times in the US Open. But, he admits this showdown could be his swan song, if it is indeed his final US Open appearance.
"I haven't given it a lot of thought," Mickelson said, when questioned about the possibility. "There's a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven't really given it much thought."
If Mickelson manages a top-10 finish at Oakmont, it would secure him a spot in the US Open next year, as would triumphing at the Open, Masters, or PGA Championship once more - a tournament he can re-qualify for being a previous winner.
There's a glint of hope for a special exemption from the USGA, an option that Mickelson actually received in 2021, but later didn't need thanks to his surprise PGA Championship triumph.
The question of qualifying, however, seems vague to Mickelson. "I haven't thought about it beyond that," he said.
The US Open has been a recurring theme throughout Mickelson's illustrious career, with countless close calls in those six second-place finishes. The 54-year-old is hoping for a grand display at Oakmont, should it be his last US Open - and he claims the LIV Golf event at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is the ideal warmup.
"Our greens are rolling at around 14 to 15 on the stimpmeter, just like they will be next week," Mickelson stated. "Contours, undulations, short game, rough, speed, lag drills, and touch on the greens - it's all crucial here, similar to the demands we'll face at Oakmont. It's a perfect setup to get ready."
"Phil Mickelson, preparatory for his final US Open at Oakmont, might be playing golf one last time at the prestigious tournament. Mickelson, who has a history of close calls at the US Open, is utilizing LIV Golf's event at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club as a warm-up for his potential swan song in the tournament."
