In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the golfing community, Phil Mickelson, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, dropped a bombshell during a press conference on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The six-time major champion hinted that the upcoming 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, set for June 12-15, 2025, could mark his final appearance at the prestigious event, potentially signaling the twilight of his storied career. This announcement, made during a LIV Golf pre-tournament presser, has sparked intense discussion among fans, analysts, and fellow players, as the 54-year-old golfing legend confronts the reality of his career’s endgame.
Mickelson, affectionately known as “Lefty,” has been a towering presence in professional golf since his first PGA Tour victory as an amateur in 1991. With 57 total wins worldwide, including 45 PGA Tour victories—tied for eighth all-time—and six major championships, Mickelson’s career is nothing short of legendary. His triumphs include three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013). Yet, the U.S. Open, the crown jewel of American golf, has remained the elusive piece of his career Grand Slam puzzle, with Mickelson finishing as runner-up an agonizing six times. His announcement that this year’s U.S. Open could be his last has cast a poignant spotlight on his unfulfilled quest for the Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only six other golfers in history.
“I haven’t thought about it too much,” Mickelson said during the press conference, his tone reflective yet measured. “There’s a high likelihood that it will be [my last U.S. Open], but I haven’t really thought about it too much.” His words, shared by Gene Wang of Post Sports on X, struck a chord with fans and observers, many of whom see this as a tacit acknowledgment of his golfing mortality. Mickelson’s five-year exemption from his historic 2021 PGA Championship win—where he became the oldest major champion at age 50—expires this year, meaning he would need to qualify for future U.S. Opens through local or final qualifying events, a path he indicated he may not pursue.
The announcement comes at a time when Mickelson’s career has been under intense scrutiny. Once a beloved figure on the PGA Tour, Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf in 2022 stirred controversy, particularly after his comments supporting Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the league, which he later described as a misstep. His decision to join LIV Golf, where he has captained the HyFlyers GC since the league’s inception, marked a significant shift in his career trajectory. While he remains a competitive force—currently ranked No. 15 in LIV Golf’s individual points standings—his performance in recent years has been inconsistent, prompting speculation about how much longer he can compete at the highest level.
Mickelson’s candor about his future extends beyond the U.S. Open. In August 2024, he hinted at stepping away from LIV Golf if his game declined, stating, “I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to [compete], I’ll step aside.” This self-awareness underscores the duality of Mickelson’s career: a relentless optimist whose belief in his ability to pull off any shot has defined his greatness, but also a pragmatist who recognizes the inevitable toll of time. His 2006 U.S. Open collapse at Winged Foot, where he famously declared, “I’m such an idiot,” after a double-bogey on the final hole cost him the title, remains a haunting reminder of his high-risk, high-reward approach.
The golf world has reacted with a mix of reverence and melancholy to Mickelson’s announcement. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with tributes to his legacy. “End of an era,” one user posted, encapsulating the sentiment of many who have followed Mickelson’s career from his swashbuckling days as a young star to his defiant resurgence in his 50s. Others expressed hope that he might defy the odds one last time at Oakmont, a revered venue northeast of Pittsburgh known for its punishing layout. “Phil at Oakmont for one last shot at the Grand Slam? I’m not betting against him,” one fan wrote optimistically.
Mickelson’s potential farewell to the U.S. Open carries added weight given his lifetime exemptions to the Masters and PGA Championship, and his eligibility to compete in the Open Championship until age 60. The U.S. Open, however, has been his white whale, with near-misses that have become part of golf lore. His six runner-up finishes, including heartbreaks at Shinnecock Hills (1995, 2004), Pinehurst (1999), Bethpage Black (2002, 2009), and Winged Foot (2006), have cemented his status as one of the greatest to never win the event. A victory at Oakmont would make him the seventh golfer to complete the career Grand Slam, following Rory McIlroy’s achievement at the Masters in April 2025.
Beyond the U.S. Open, Mickelson’s announcement has sparked broader questions about his future in golf. While he remains a central figure in LIV Golf, his comments suggest he is preparing for a transition, whether that means scaling back his playing schedule or shifting focus to other endeavors, such as his role as a team captain or his business ventures, including his supplement-infused coffee brand. His larger-than-life personality, marked by a penchant for risk both on and off the course, has kept him in the spotlight, even as his competitive edge has waned.
As the golf world prepares for the 125th U.S. Open, all eyes will be on Mickelson. The field of 156 players, including 85 who earned exemptions through past performances, world rankings, and LIV Golf’s newly created exemption, will face a formidable test at Oakmont. For Mickelson, the tournament represents not just a chance to complete the Grand Slam but a potential swan song in one of golf’s most hallowed arenas. Whether he can summon the magic that has defined his career—those daring shots, that infectious grin, that unshakable self-belief—remains to be seen.
For now, the golfing world is left to reflect on a career that has captivated fans for over three decades. From his days as a pop-collared amateur at Arizona State to his record-breaking PGA Championship win at 50, Mickelson has been a singular force in golf. His announcement may mark the beginning of the end, but for “Lefty,” the final chapter is far from written. As he steps onto the fairways of Oakmont, fans will watch with bated breath, hoping for one last moment of Mickelson magic
