No One Cares’: Phil Mickelson’s Sudden Retirement Update Triggers Mixed Reactions From Golf Fans
In 2013, Phil Mickelson delivered a standout performance at The Open Championship, securing a memorable victory over Tiger Woods. With four birdies in his final six holes, including a clutch one on the 18th green, an emotional Mickelson moved up the leaderboard and closer to his dream of completing a career Grand Slam. Reflecting on the win, he said, “I think that if I’m able to win the U.S. Open and complete the career Grand Slam, I think that’s the sign of the complete, great player. I’m a leg away. And it’s been a tough leg for me.” Twelve years later, Mickelson is still chasing that elusive U.S. Open title, even as retirement speculation grows due to his recent struggles on the course.
Currently preparing for the Oakmont event, with his U.S. Open eligibility criteria set to expire this season, Phil Mickelson is struggling on the course. In the seven LIV Golf events he has participated in so far, he has registered only two top-10 finishes. Additionally, he has missed the cut in both majors, the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship. However, when he arrives at Oakmont Country Club, Mickelson says it might be his last chance to complete his Grand Slam
While currently in Virginia for the upcoming LIV Golf event, Phil Mickelson acknowledged on Wednesday that the 2025 U.S. Open could very well be his last, though he hasn’t dwelled on it. “I haven’t thought about it too much. There’s a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven’t really thought about it too much,” he said. Mickelson is eligible to play in the 2025 U.S. Open due to his 2021 PGA Championship win, where he made history as the oldest player to win a major at 50. However, should he bounce back from recent struggles and decide to continue beyond 2025, would he consider entering qualifiers for future U.S. Opens? Mickelson responded, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far.”
Though concerning, this isn’t the first time Mickelson has hinted at stepping away from the sport. Earlier this year, the 53-year-old admitted, “The sunset is creeping up on my career…. If I’m being honest, it’s towards its end.” By August 2024, with just one top-10 finish and almost facing relegation, he shared an emotional moment during LIV Golf Chicago, saying, “My career… it’s towards its end.” Despite this, the three-time Masters winner still holds lifetime exemptions for Augusta and the PGA Championship, which he’s won twice. He also qualifies for The Open until age 60 due to his 2013 victory. Mickelson will turn 55 the day after the 2025 U.S. Open concludes. Naturally, this update has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
The golf community is split over news of his potential retirement.
Some fans reacted harshly, with one saying, “No one cares,” and another brushing it off as untrue: “Another lie from Phil.” While retirement isn’t guaranteed, Mickelson has previously suggested he might step away. In 2013, upset over rising federal and California taxes, he hinted at major life changes, saying, “When you add up everything — federal, disability, unemployment, Social Security, and state — my tax rate is 62, 63%. So I’ve got to make some decisions.”
Still, others are reflecting on what could be Mickelson’s final shot at completing a career Grand Slam. One fan remarked, “Unfortunately he will look back at all those second place finishes,” and another added, “Kind of a bummer. Six second places. I’ll definitely be rooting for his last chance at the Grand Slam!” Mickelson has famously finished second at the U.S. Open six times: 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013. In a 2022 interview with Golf Digest, Mickelson said, “If I win the U.S. Open, I will retire. That would be my last tournament. I will have achieved the career Grand Slam and have nothing more to prove.”
One of his most painful close calls came when his third shot found a bunker, the fourth overshot the green, and his chip to force a playoff rolled six feet past the hole, resulting in a bogey. Mickelson famously said afterward, “I still am in shock that I did that. I just can’t believe I did that. I’m such an idiot.”
Fans everywhere are hoping Mickelson can pull off something extraordinary at the 2025 U.S. Open.
