124th US Open: Does Phil Mickelson Need Special Exemption Like Rival Tiger Woods?

The 124th US Open is all set to take place at Pinehurst No. 2 from June 13 to 16. The field is filled with exciting players, including fresh faces and old champions. Among those playing is the 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods, whose exemption ran out last year. Expectedly, he received a special exemption and has accepted it too. This move has drawn significant criticism.

Well, that isn’t the topic of discussion here! The question is, does Tiger Woods’s arch nemesis, Phil Mickelson, also need a special exemption to compete at the third major of the year? The simple answer is, no! Why? Well, all thanks to this last major win!

Phil Mickelson‘s 2021 PGA Championship victory guarantees him a spot in the US Open until 2026. With his victory at Kiawah Island, Lefty became the oldest major winner in golf’s history at 50 years old. Although he has won six majors, Mickelson is still pursuing his career Grand Slam. After an astounding six runner-up finishes in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013 in the tournament he most desires, his only remaining objective is to win the US Open.

In his 32 starts in the event, he has made 26 cuts. In the last two editions of the US Open, Lefty has not been able to make it to the weekend. He shot 11 overs and 3 overs in 2022 and 2023, respectively, to miss the cut. Although fans would see Mickelson on the greens this year, teeing up at all the remaining majors, he hinted that he might be hanging up his clubs soon!

Is retirement on the horizon for Phil Mickelson?

The golfer recently divulged some details about his future to Bloomberg TV. “I’m 53 now, and my career, you know, if I’m being truthful, is toward its end,” Mickelson admitted. However, he expressed his desire to stay involved, stating, “Now, I would like to help others find the same enjoyment and fulfillment that the game of golf has provided me.” 

Despite his lack of victory on the LIV, Mickelson’s impact as the HyFlyers franchise’s skipper is indisputable. Following his victory in LIV Adelaide, teammate Brendan Steele acknowledged Mickelson’s mentoring, saying, “I lean on Phil pretty hard with everything… He’s one of the best players ever, and he can give me advice. If he’s going to give me advice, I’m going to take it.”

According to Alan Shipnuck, the 53-year-old’s next contract could involve a non-playing captain position with the HyFlyers. As he shifts to more of a mentoring role, Mickelson appears committed to sharing his knowledge to support the development of the next generation, whether he is playing or not. As team captain, he has already proven to be a valuable leader.

As the US Open approaches, we see the two legends, who once dominated the field but are now in the latter half of their careers, contemplating the future. While it is not very likely that either of them wins, it is guaranteed that the legends only need to make an appearance to steal the show! But in golf, tables can truly turn anytime!