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Phil Mickelson Prepares for Potential Final U.S. Open on Oakmont’s Unforgiving Course

His five-year exemption ends after this season, threatening his future U.S. Open chances on a course defined by extremely fast greens crowned with towering rough.

Phil Mickelson has won 45 events, including six majors, during his career on the PGA Tour.
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BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Phil Mickelson of the United States acknowledges the crowd from the ninth green during the second round of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club on June 17, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Phil Mickelson acknowledged that this U.S. Open may be his last opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam before his five-year exemption expires.
  • Oakmont Country Club has been restored to its original design, extending to 7,372 yards with expanded greens and five-inch rough set to punish errant shots.
  • World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy fresh off his Masters breakthrough and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau headline a stacked field of contenders.
  • The USGA’s new LIV Golf pathway awards a U.S. Open spot to the season’s top points leader, but Mickelson’s current 15th-place standing makes his post-2025 entry uncertain.
  • Oakmont, hosting its 10th U.S. Open beginning June 12, challenges players with narrow fairways, fast greens and the storied Church Pew bunkers.