Phil Mickelson drops hint on major farewell

Phil Mickelson’s chances of completing the career grand slam are narrowing. In fact, he might only have one more shot.

The 54-year-old, a winner of six major championships, needs to add a US Open title to his major tally to join only six players in the exclusive club.

Mickelson, of course, won the Masters three times, the PGA Championship twice, and The Open once.

But, speaking ahead of LIV Golf Virginia, the American hinted that next week’s US Open at Oakmont could be his last.

“I haven’t thought about it too much,” Mickelson said. “There’s a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven’t really thought about it too much.”

Mickelson continued by explaining how this week’s course on the Saudi-backed circuit will prepare him for another bid at the elusive crown.

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“We have greens that are rolling 14 to 15 on the Stimpmeter just like we will next week,” he said.

“We have contours, undulations just like we will next week. I think it’s a great way to prepare for [the U.S. Open] without minimising the effects of this week.”

‘Lefty’ hasn’t been without his chances in the national open, however. He has finished second a record six times in the event.

While Mickelson’s exemption into the US Open expires this year, he could still qualify for next year’s championship at Shinnecock Hills.

Asked if he’d considered it, Mickelson replied: “I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far [ahead].”

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Meanwhile, the HyFlyers GC captain dished on his commitment to teeing it up competitively over the next five years.

Mickelson claimed that his LIV teammates Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale and Andy Ogletree keep him going.

“As far as my playing schedule, I don’t know the answer to that,” he said. “I think that my desire and energy and excitement to play, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I’m on this team and get to spend time with these guys.

“I don’t have a great answer for you. I’m also going to be 55 in a couple weeks, so I want to be realistic there, too.

“I want this team to succeed. I don’t want to hold it back. If I’m not an asset, if I’m not helping, if I’m holding it back, then it’s time for me to move on and get somebody else in here who is going to really help the team win and succeed. This year I’ve played better.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.