Phil Mickelson knows U.S. Open stance on return as exemption runs out
Phil Mickelson has suggested that the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont could be his final appearance in the major, with the USGA unlikely to give him an exemption in the future
Phil Mickelson has suggested that his outing at Oakmont could be his last U.S. Open showing, as the USGA seems to have minimized the likelihood of granting him a future exemption.
Amidst recent spats with Brandel Chamblee and after sending another message to the PGA Tour following the addition of three new players to LIV Golf, Mickelson shared prior to the 125th U.S. Open that it's "high likelihood" this may be his final showing in the tournament. His current pass from snagging the 2021 PGA Championship is about to expire, although he's recently rekindled hopes for completing his grand slam collection.
During his storied career, Mickelson has secured three Masters victories, won the PGA Championship twice, and clinched an Open Championship once. Yet, the U.S. Open remains the elusive piece preventing his completion of a career Grand Slam as his professional journey enters its twilight.
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Mickelson's five-year major exemption for his 2021 PGA Championship victory concludes this week, sparking speculation on his participation in future U.S. Opens. The USGA, known for extending special exemptions to the sport's icons—including Mickelson himself at Torrey Pines in 2021—has not shown signs of offering one this time around.
He ultimately proved the exemption unnecessary, earning his spot through an incredible performance at Kiawah Island. However, chances of a repeat offer seem slim.
"Listen, the answer to that is Phil did receive one in 2021, and I'm a little sleep deprived, but counting my years backwards- it's like anything," John Bodenhamer, chief championship officer, shared with journalists. "We would review things for Shinnecock ahead of next year and look at all of those possibilities and evaluate it from there."
"I think the way that we would also think of Phil is we hope he earns his way in, and I think he'd tell you the same thing. That's what he did last time. We gave him one, and then he went out and won the PGA Championship. So wouldn't put it past him."
Mickelson, who has finished as runner-up at the U.S. Open six times, hasn't been on competitive form recently; his stellar second place at the 2023 Masters was followed by cuts missed in six of his nine subsequent major appearances.
Moreover, Mickelson has been vocal against the U.S. Open and USGA previously. In 2023, he criticized USGA CEO Mike Whan's decision regarding LIV Golf's Talor Gooch's eligibility to play, calling it a "d--- move."
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Mickelson's image has certainly suffered blows in recent times following his shock transfer from the PGA Tour to the new LIV Golf enterprise. His pivotal part in inaugurating the controversial league hasn't gone unnoticed by influential figures in the sport.
The 2026 U.S. Open is set to be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Mickelson came in second to Retief Goosen at the 2004 U.S. Open in Long Island, but stirred controversy when he hit a moving ball during the 2018 return.
Mickelson will kick off his 2025 U.S. Open campaign alongside Cameron Smith and Brian Harman on Thursday, June 11.
