Phil Mickelson Earns Praise For What He Did After Missing Cut at U.S. Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:27 AM ET

In what may have been his final appearance at the U.S. Open, legendary golfer Phil Mickelson didn’t have the opening two rounds he was hoping for at Oakmont.

Of all the major tournaments Mickelson has won throughout his storied PGA Tour career, the U.S. Open remains the elusive title. With his exemptions to compete in the event running out in 2026, Mickelson made it clear before the tournament that this could very well be his last chance to complete the career Grand Slam.

“There’s a high likelihood that it will be,” Mickelson said last week at the LIV event in Virginia. “But I haven’t really thought about it too much.”

Mickelson narrowly missed the cut by a single stroke following Friday’s second round. Drama unfolded over his final stretch of holes as he fought to extend his tournament into the weekend, but it ultimately wasn't enough. His quest to complete the career Grand Slam will have to wait — and may never come to fruition.

He was inside the projected cut line at 4-over with four holes remaining, but two double bogeys down the stretch pushed him to 8-over for the round.

Still, despite the disappointing finish, Mickelson earned praise for his gracious post-round gesture. Before leaving the course, he took time to hand out gifts from his golf bag to the officers who had walked alongside him — a classy move that left a lasting impression.

A true class act.

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
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