Phil Mickelson has admitted that the upcoming US Open could represent his final chance to complete a career Grand Slam and join golf’s immortals.
The 54-year-old has won six major championships, including three Masters titles, two PGA Championships and one Open Championship. But the US Open has always eluded him.
Mickelson has finished runner up – or in a tie for second – six times at the US Open, most recently in 2013. But he has failed to make the cut in four of the past five years.
The American heads to Oakmont next week hoping to become one of only seven players to win all four majors. Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who recently won the Masters, are the members of the elite club.
But, at 54, the LIV Golf star knows his window is closing fast. He admitted that there is a ‘high likelihood’ that this will be his final opportunity. ‘But I haven’t really thought about it too much,’ he said.
Mickleson is now ranked No 1,162 in the world but he qualified for the tournament at Oakmont thanks to his PGA Championship win in 2021.
Phil Mickelson admits that this US Open could be his final chance to win a career Grand Slam
The 54-year-old has won six major championships but the US Open has always eluded him
That earned him a five-year exemption to the US Open but from 2026 the 54-year-old would have to qualify.
More than 10,000 players – including Charlie Woods – entered the infamous qualification process, which ends with the ‘longest day in golf,’ when hopefuls compete over 36 holes for the few remaining spots.
Max Homa and Rickie Fowler were among the big names who fell short in their bid to reach Oakmont and Mickelson was asked if he would be willing to go down that route.
‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I haven’t thought that far.’
Back in February, the USGA did announce a new way for LIV Golfers to qualify directly. The leading player in LIV’s individual standings at the end of 2025 – along with the leading player on May 18, 2026 – will qualify.
