Phil Mickelson’s reason for delaying retirement as LIV golfer faces tough decision.

Phil Mickelson is nearing the end of his storied career, but the six-time major champion does not want to walk away from golf just yet as he chases a final elusive accolade

Phil Mickelson will delay retirement for as long as possible as the six-time major champion still harbours hopes of clinching the U.S. Open.

Mickelson’s dream is to win the U.S. Open and complete the career slam. He’s finished second at the event on six occasions while winning three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship.

Even though he is no longer eligible for ranking points as a LIV Golf player, Mickelson is expected to receive invitations to prestigious tournaments such as Augusta, USPGA, and The Open due to his previous victories. Additionally, his triumph at the USPGA in Kiawah Island, where he became the oldest ever major championship winner at 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days, should secure him an invitation to the U.S. Open.

Winning the championship was extremely important because it guarantees Mickelson invitations to upcoming U.S. Open events. Moreover, by winning a major tournament, Mickelson earns invitations to participate in all four majors for the next five years.

Although there have been rumors of his retirement after his current LIV Golf contract ends, Mickelson is not ready to leave golf just yet. He is determined to achieve U.S. Open success, as demonstrated by his exceptional performance in 2021. This proves that his age should not undermine his abilities on the golf course.

Mickelson, who has been granted a special waiver to participate in the 2021 U.S. Open, expressed his gratitude and excitement.

He will also enjoy a lifelong special exemption for The Masters and PGA Championship due to his previous championship status.

Mickelson revealed that winning the U.S. Open has always been a significant and elusive aspiration for him, and although he has come close numerous times, he has yet to achieve it.

“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 is still in search of a U.S. Open win to complete the career grand slam. Should he claim the elusive title, Mickelson would become just the second player in U.S. Open history to do so on a special exemption; the only player who has accomplished such a feat was Hale Irwin in 1990 at Medinah.

In February 2022, the American outlined his retirement plans with the key caveat as he told Golf Digest : “If I win the US Open, I will retire. That would be my last tournament. I will have achieved the career Grand Slam and I won’t have anything more to prove.”

Alan Shipnuck, Mickelson’s biographer, suggests that the golfer, who is currently 53 years old, might take on a non-playing captain role in his upcoming contract with LIV Golf. The team captains, including Mickelson, were initially granted a four-year contract by Greg Norman and his associates.

According to reports, players are expected to engage in fresh discussions with LIV Golf around late 2025.

If Mickelson decides to stop playing after his contract ends, it will indicate that he had a brief period of time with LIV Golf. Throughout his participation in the LIV circuit, Mickelson only achieved two top-10 finishes out of 20 events.
He has been unable to recreate the level of performance that established him as one of the most remarkable players in the sport during his tenure on the PGA Tour.