Mickelson given exemption to play in U.S. Open


Phil Mickelson will not need to qualify for the U.S. Open after all.

The five-time major champion, who grew up in the San Diego area near the venue for this year’s championship, Torrey Pines, accepted a special exemption from the United States Golf Association on Friday to play in the 121st U.S. Open next month.

It will be the 30th U.S. Open of Mickelson’s career, a tournament he has never won but where he’s finished runner-up six times.

“Winning the U.S. Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times,” Mickelson said in a statement. “You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honored and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”

Mickelson, 50, said last year that he would not accept an invite for the 2020 championship but ended up being exempt for the tournament at Winged Foot, where he infamously double-bogeyed the final hole in 2006 to miss a playoff by a stroke. Mickelson missed the cut last year.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Historic NJCAA title run ends for beloved golfer

Chatting with America’s Caddie: Omar Uresti on PGA controversy and having Michael Collins on his bag

NCAA women’s golf regional off, sparking outcry
Two weeks ago, when asked about the possibility of a special exemption by ESPN, Mickelson said he didn’t know whether he would accept and said playing in his hometown would not be part of the decision. He said at the time that he would enter the 36-hole sectional qualifier on June 7 in Columbus, Ohio, if he had not made it into the field by that point.

Players not otherwise exempt can earn a spot in the field by being among the top 60 in the world on May 24 or June 7. The U.S. Open will be played June 17 to 20.

Mickelson is ranked 116th in the world. He was the first-round leader last week at the Wells Fargo Championship after shooting 64, then followed with scores of 75-76-76 to fall to 69th. In 10 events in 2021, his best finish is a tie for 21st at the Masters.

Mickelson has been runner-up at the U.S. Open in 1999 to Payne Stewart at Pinehurst, 2002 to Tiger Woods at Bethpage, 2004 to Retief Goosen at Shinnecock Hills, 2006 to Geoff Ogilvy at Winged Foot, 2009 to Lucas Glover at Bethpage and 2013 to Justin Rose at Merion.

That total of six is the most runner-up finishes of any player never to have won the tournament, the lone major keeping Mickelson from completing a career Grand Slam. He has four other top-10s at the U.S. Open.

“Phil Mickelson’s incredible USGA playing record and overall career achievements are among the most noteworthy in the game’s history,” USGA CEO Mike Davis said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome him to this year’s U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.”

Mickelson played his first U.S. Open as an amateur in 1990 and at one point played 23 in a row from 1994 through 2016, missing the 2017 tournament because of his daughter’s graduation.

The USGA has now granted 35 players a total of 53 special exemptions dating to 1966, when it gave its first to Ben Hogan.

Jack Nicklaus, a four-time winner of the U.S. Open, received eight exemptions and played his final one in 2000 at age 60. Arnold Palmer was given five, and he played his final U.S. Open in 1994 at age 64. Ernie Els got a special exemption in 2019. The last player who had not won the U.S. Open to receive a special exemption was Vijay Singh in 2010.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

Daniel Craig Says He Doesn’t Care Who Replaces Him as James Bond
Daniel Craig Says He Doesn’t Care Who Replaces Him as James Bond
Artem Chigvintsev Says His Domestic Violence Arrest Led to 0K Income Loss
Artem Chigvintsev Says His Domestic Violence Arrest Led to $100K Income Loss
Ariana Grande Teases Career Pivot, Wants to Do More Musical Theater
Ariana Grande Teases Career Pivot, Wants to Do More Musical Theater
Brianna LaPaglia Claims Ex Zach Bryan Blocked Her After Breakup
Brianna LaPaglia Claims Ex Zach Bryan Blocked Her After Breakup
Ridley Scott Calls BS on Quentin Tarantino’s Retirement
Ridley Scott Calls BS on Quentin Tarantino’s Retirement
Youth Review | A Monumental Trilogy About Labor & Industrial China
Youth Review | A Monumental Trilogy About Labor & Industrial China
Living Forward: Adam Elliot on “Memoir of a Snail” | Interviews
Living Forward: Adam Elliot on “Memoir of a Snail” | Interviews
The Best Serial Killer Films to Watch on Netflix
The Best Serial Killer Films to Watch on Netflix
New ‘Star Wars’ trilogy in the works from ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ director
New ‘Star Wars’ trilogy in the works from ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ director
The Amazons announce intimate ’21st Century: Prologue’ UK tour
The Amazons announce intimate ’21st Century: Prologue’ UK tour
Here’s every song on The Old Man soundtrack – including season 2
Here’s every song on The Old Man soundtrack – including season 2
Robert Smith is auctioning artwork he made inspired by ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ for Heart Research UK
Robert Smith is auctioning artwork he made inspired by ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ for Heart Research UK
Redick: Russell’s minutes cut due to ‘level of compete’
Redick: Russell’s minutes cut due to ‘level of compete’
Ohtani likely won’t be ready to pitch to start 2025 after shoulder surgery
Ohtani likely won’t be ready to pitch to start 2025 after shoulder surgery
How to Get Started with 96in: A Beginner’s Guide to Betting
How to Get Started with 96in: A Beginner’s Guide to Betting
Aviator and Aviatrix: Comprehensive Review, Comparison and Innovation in 2024
Aviator and Aviatrix: Comprehensive Review, Comparison and Innovation in 2024
Will Dune: Prophecy Be a Faithful Adaptation?
Will Dune: Prophecy Be a Faithful Adaptation?
RoboCop’s Journey from Industry Joke to Pop Culture Icon
RoboCop’s Journey from Industry Joke to Pop Culture Icon
Dwayne Johnson & Chris Evans’ Red One Gets 40% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Dwayne Johnson & Chris Evans’ Red One Gets 40% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Brilliant Minds Offers An Understanding of Neurodivergence Far Beyond What The Good Doctor Achieved
Brilliant Minds Offers An Understanding of Neurodivergence Far Beyond What The Good Doctor Achieved
Good American Soft-Tech Denim Review
Good American Soft-Tech Denim Review
Casa Magazines’ New Café, Britney Spears’ Jewelry Line, & More!
Casa Magazines’ New Café, Britney Spears’ Jewelry Line, & More!
Revelry’s Holiday Launch, Heidi Klum’s Crazy Pizza Dinner
Revelry’s Holiday Launch, Heidi Klum’s Crazy Pizza Dinner
David Gandy’s Pajamas, Lenny Kravitz in Mexico City & More
David Gandy’s Pajamas, Lenny Kravitz in Mexico City & More