A Phil Mickelson win at Chambers Bay this weekend would immediately become an iconic moment in US Open – and golf – history. Mickelson’s relentless pursuit of a US Open victory – and a career Grand Slam – has captured the imagination of the sport’s passionate following.
In the process of finishing runner-up in his country’s national championship a record six times, Mickelson, though a Hall of Famer, has earned the role of underdog. The doggedness of repeatedly throwing himself in the fray, and contending seemingly every June, has arguably earned “Lefty” more fans than a Father’s Day win could provide.
In 2015, the US Open is coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in history. The venue is Seattle’s Chambers Bay, which sits on the shores of the Puget Sound. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. the course plays like a Scottish links. Coincidentally, Mickelson’s last major title, the 2013 Open Championship, was played on a Scottish links course. Is US Open karma finally on Phil’s side?
With a win at the 2015 United States Open …
- Mickelson would become the 6th player in the sport’s history to achieve the Grand Slam.
- Mickelson would become the 14th player in the sport’s history with 6 or more Major wins.
- Mickelson would become the 12th golfer to win both the US Open and US Amateur.
- Mickelson would become the second oldest champion of the US Open.
Phil Mickelson has finished runner-up at the US Open a record six times.
Most Times Runner-Up, US Open
6 — Phil Mickelson (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013)
4 — a-Robert T. Jones Jr. (1922, 1924, 1925, 1928)
4 — Sam Snead (1937, 1947, 1949, 1953)
4 — Jack Nicklaus (1960, 1968, 1971, 1982)
4 — Arnold Palmer (1962, 1963, 1966, 1967)
US Open Venues of Mickelson’s Runner-Up Finishes
2013 – Merion Golf Club
2009 – Bethpage Black
2006 – Winged Foot Golf Club
2004 – Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
2002 – Bethpage Black
1999 – Pinehurst No. 2
