Mickelson: US Open my main target
Phil Mickelson has one major target in 2014 – winning the US Open and completing the career Grand Slam.
Having already won the US PGA Championship and the Masters and last year added the Open Championship, the US Open is the only major tournament missing from his impressive CV.
“There’s no hiding the fact that winning the U.S. Open would be my career goal of completing the career Grand Slam, and that’s the final leg that I have. I’ll be putting most of my focus into winning the U.S. Open,” said Mickelson.
That “focus” includes cutting his schedule by 25% to ensure he stays as fresh as possible ahead of the tournament, and making sure that there isn’t a blade of grass at Pinehurst, venue for this year’s US Open, that isn’t familiar to him.
Mickelson has a long and heartbreaking relationship with the major, having finished runner-up an incredible six times, including his most recent disappointment at Merion, but he doesn’t see that as a negative.
“To use an analogy,” he said, “when I am putting well, not every putt goes in, but I catch lots of lips; the ball comes close. And the when it’s close, I know that eventually they are going to fall in. And I use the same analogy for the U.S. Open. I’ve come close so many times. I’ve played well so many times in that tournament, that I believe it will happen soon.”
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy flying high after opening round of US Open at Winged Foot
The Northern Irishman is two shots behind leader Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under-par 65 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsA little more relaxation brings a little more action for Rory McIlroy at US Open
The Northern Irishman shot 67 on the opening day to sit two behind clubhouse leader Justin Thomas.
-
NewsPrayers answered for Rory McIlroy as US Open hopeful makes speedy start
The Northern Irishman is two shots off the lead after an opening 67 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes strong start at US Open
The Northern Irishman is bidding to claim a first major title since the 2014 US PGA Championship.
-
NewsWATCH: Tiger, Rory, Rahm and DJ on what makes Winged Foot so difficult
Golf’s big buns give their thoughts on the tough test that lies ahead at the US Open.
-
NewsWATCH: Social media star pays tribute to Mickelson with special US Open song
Take a listen to the most heartfelt and emotional song about Phil Mickelson ever created.
-
News5 talking points ahead of the 120th US Open
We look at five talking points ahead of the year’s second major championship
-
NewsAll eyes on USGA when the 120th US Open gets under way at Winged Foot
The fact that last year’s championship took place without controversy over the set up of the course was a welcome relief for the organisation.
-
US OpenTiger Woods ranks Winged Foot as one of the most difficult courses ever
Tiger Woods is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the field when the US Open tees off at Winged Foot on Thursday.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2004: US power couple Phil and Tiger tamed by Europe at Ryder Cup
Woods and Mickelson were ranked second and fourth in the world respectively but Montgomerie and Harrington bested them.