Phil Mickelson to skip U.S. Open at Erin Hills

Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson plans to withdraw from the U.S. Open at Erin Hills, but for a great reason.

Phil Mickelson has advised the USGA of his intention to withdraw from the U.S. Open, which will be held at Erin Hills beginning June 15. The reason for doing so is because he wants to attend his daughter Amanda’s high school graduation.

Like many players before him and some current players, Mickelson is one major short of the career grand slam. The U.S. Open is the one that has eluded him, but he has had a remarkable six runner-up finishes in the always-challenging major.

Mickelson’s last win came, ironically, at a major when he won the 2013 Open Championship. It was during the third round of the Memorial Tournament when Mickelson made his decision on missing the major he hasn’t captured yet.

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It’s a very smart move for Mickelson, who will no doubt take in the special moment of seeing his daughter graduate. It’s one of the most important moments in both the parents’ and kids’ lives, as it’s that next step in the journey of that child.

2013 was the last U.S. Open in which Mickelson finished in that runner-up position. In that same year, he attended Amanda’s eighth-grade commencement ceremony and made it back just in time for the tournament at Merion.

I’d think anyone would withdraw from a golf tournament to see such important moments in a child’s life. Mickelson has made sure to attend everything, even if it means missing the one tournament that has haunted him for years. That says a lot.

As the years go by, will Phil Mickelson ever grab a U.S. Open to complete the career grand slam? There are other players in his shoes.

It does make you wonder if he’ll ever pull it off. Or will Mickelson join other legends such as Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, and Tom Watson who all had one major that stopped them from achieving the grand slam?

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There are a couple of current players who also are close to capturing career slams. Rory McIlroy has already solidified himself as an all-time great but he remains haunted by The Masters, the only tournament he needs to complete the achievement.

Martin Kaymer is a little further away, but is still close. He has both a U.S. Open and PGA Championship under his belt at the young age of 32. The Open and Masters are the only two he needs.

So Mickelson isn’t alone in this category, but the Hall of Famer has to be pleased with his career, even if he’s failed at the U.S. Open numerous times. There are some great players who haven’t captured one major yet, such as Lee Westwood and Luke Donald.

As we witnessed, Sergio Garcia broke through for his first major at the Masters. Early in his career, many believed he would win multiple majors but he now has one under his belt.

So it goes both ways. You can either feel ashamed that you couldn’t get the career grand slam, or feel appreciative that you won five majors. No doubt that anyone would be very happy with Mickelson’s resumé.

Next: Tiger, DJ and a decade of U.S. Open Champions

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