Phil Mickelson to reporters ahead of LIV Golf Dallas: "I think I'm going to contend in a major again"

Phil Mickelson says he's hopeful his US Open career isn't over.

Lefty needs to win the major to complete the career grand slam but at the age of 55 years old he knows his days are numbered.

Mickelson acknowledged before he played in the third men's major his appearance at Oakmont may well be his last.

The exemption he earned for winning the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island has now expired.

He missed the cut by one stroke in Pennsylvania in front of a small gallery. 

Sadly for Mickelson an inclement weather warning forced spectators to take shelter immediately and his 'farewell' felt subdued. 

But he hopes that it won't be his last appearance and also believes he can add to his tally of six major triumphs. 

"I said [before the US Open] it's very possibly my last," Mickelson told reporters before LIV Golf Dallas. And I think that’s real.

"However, I also feel like I'm starting to play some good golf, and this year has been my best year on LIV.

"I've had three top six finishes and some opportunities to win.

"If I play like that in some upcoming major championships, that could ultimately qualify me into another US Open."

Mickelson, who missed the cuts at this year's Masters and PGA Championship, added: "I don't want to say it's my last.

"I actually think if I can play at the level I've played at out here in the majors again, I'll finish high enough to get into a US Open via that qualifying avenue.

"So I don't want to say it is my last because I think I'm going to contend [in a major again]. 

"I'm in the other three majors for a lot of years, and it could very well get me into a US Open again."

Mickelson could also play his way into the US Open via his performances on LIV.

The USGA and the R&A previously announced the leading LIV player not already exempt and in the top five in the standings will punch tickets to The Open and US Open.

It is understood the governing bodies could make more spots available in the future. 

Mickelson will be able to play The Masters for as long as he wants and is eligible to compete at The Open until he is 60 years old.

He turned 55 on 16 June. 

Reaction to Phil Mickelson's latest claim

Mickelson skipped the 2022 Masters for personal reasons. 

In February that year, he made controversial remarks about LIV Golf, their Saudi financiers and the PGA Tour's leadership. 

When he returned to Augusta National in 2023, he rolled back the years and produced a remarkable T2 finish. 

But since then he has struggled significantly in the major championships. 

Mickelson has now missed five cuts in his last seven starts in the majors. 

His recent comments at LIV Golf Dallas were debated by golf fans on X. 

"The Phil era has come and gone," one said. 

Another added: "There is no way Phil will ever contend in future majors."

This person said: "Dude has zero chance of competing."