Phil Mickelson Talks 'High Likelihood' 2025 US Open Is Last Shot for Career Grand Slam

Golf legend Phil Mickelson is well aware that time is running out for him to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the U.S. Open.

"I haven't thought about it too much," he said Wednesday in reference to this year's tournament, the last in which he'll have an exemption to compete, and whether it could be his final shot. "There's a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven't really thought about it too much."

Mickelson received a five-year exemption for the U.S. Open thanks to his victory in the 2021 PGA Championship. At the 2026 U.S. Open, the 54-year-old will either have to qualify the old-fashioned way or get a special exemption from the USGA.

Even if the Hall of Famer makes the trip to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club next summer, his odds of becoming a U.S. Open champion are remote.

Mickelson already made history as the oldest major winner (50) when he triumphed at the PGA Championship. Now, he's even older, and the combination of Father Time and competing on the LIV Golf circuit have accelerated his decline.

Since tying for second place at the 2023 Masters, Mickelson missed the cut in six of his next major appearances, and he has yet to finish better than 43rd. His recent record in the U.S. Open is even worse, with missed cuts in four of the last five years.

The southpaw has been a runner-up in the tournament on six occasions. That's probably as close as he's going to get to lifting the championship trophy.