Phil Mickelson Praised for Behavior Towards Police Officers at U.S. Open
Phil Mickelson entered the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club knowing his chances of finally winning the only major he's never claimed were drawing slim.
Four years ago, Mickelson won the PGA Championship, giving him five more years of exemptions into the U.S. Open. In 2026, though, that run is coming to an end and the six-time major champion admitted as much this week.
“I haven’t thought about it too much. There’s a high likelihood that it will be," Mickelson said when asked if this will be his final U.S. Open.
If it is, Mickelson didn't get the result he wanted, but he did receive acclaim from fans for what he did after his round. The World Golf Hall of Fame member sat at 4-over and inside the cut line heading into the potential final four holes of his U.S. Open career.
Mickelson suffered two double-bogeys of the final four holes and missed the cut by a single shot. After suffering heartbreak, the six-time runner-up at the U.S. Open declined to speak with the media, instead walking to his courtesy car.
Before jetting off from the grounds, Mickelson dug a pair of gloves out of his bag and offered them to the police officers who walked the course with him on Friday, June 13.
A true class act. ????
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 14, 2025
Phil Mickelson missed the cut by one but still made time in the rain to hand out gifts from his bag to the officers who walked with him.
(???? @nickpia) pic.twitter.com/wLqKkyLc8N
Fans rushed to the comments section to show love for the polarizing golfing star.
"There is no one like Phil. At 55, this might be his last US Open. I hope people can start to put aside the petty arguments and just appreciate a legendary career!" one person said.
"One of the most appreciative players to ever tee it up. For over 3 decades he’s never changed," offered another.
"Class act! Had to be most frustrated with his finish & still took time to do this," added a third.
If this is it for Mickelson at the U.S. Open, he'll finish his career one major short of the grand slam.
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