Phil Mickelson Accepts Special Exemption Into US Open

Phil Mickelson Accepts Special Exemption Into US Open

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson will now feature at Torrey Pines and the US Open after accepting a special exemption from the USGA.

Phil Mickelson Accepts Special Exemption Into US Open

Two weeks ago, Mickelson announced that he was unsure whether he would accept a special exemption if he failed to qualify for the US Open.

At the time, the five-time Major champion said: “I just don’t know the answer to that right now. I’m scheduled to go through qualifying the day after the Memorial.”

To qualify, Mickelson would have to be inside the top 60 in the world on either the 27th May or 7th June; or through sectional qualifying or an exemption.

Related: 13 Year Old Advances Through To US Open Final Qualifying

However, the 50-year-old will now get another shot at the career Grand Slam after accepting a special exemption from the USGA to play at Torrey Pines in his hometown of San Diego.

Phil Mickelson Exemption US Open

Mickelson's nearest win at the US Open came in 2006, where he double bogeyed the last to miss out on a playoff with Geoff Ogilvy. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/WireImage)

Mickelson, who has finished runner-up at the event six times, said: “If I had not made it through qualifying, it would have been difficult not to be a part of the US Open on a course I spent so much time playing as a kid,

“Winning the US Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times.

“You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honoured and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”

The American will be the sixth player to receive a special exemption into the US Open since 2010. Tom Watson and Vijay Singh both received one that year, with Retief Goosen (2016), Jim Furyk (2018), and Ernie Els (twice, in 2018 and 2019) all receiving one.

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

With the acceptance of the exemption, Mickelson will be looking to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in becoming just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam.

Related: Which Players Have Won A Golf Grand Slam?

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x