Phil Mickelson is still seeking to overcome what he calls the “huge obstacle” of finally winning the US Open and completing his career Grand Slam.
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The popular American is already in the record books with his six runner-up finishes to the year’s second major, leading the all-time list.
The last of those came two years ago at Merion outside Philadelphia and he admits it was the most painful of his near misses as mistakes late in his final round gave Justin Rose the chance to sneak in and claim victory.
But Mickelson, a five-time major winner, insists that far from being demoralised by his US Open agonies, he takes heart from his performances.
“I’ve always been somebody, ever since I was a kid, that got motivated by failure, that worked harder because of failure,” he said.
“Some people get discouraged by that, and it almost pushes them away.
Rory McIlroy is favorite to win this U.S. Open. But like how resurgent Phil Mickelson is embracing this venue, latest chance for career slam
— Jim Corbett (@ByJimCorbett) June 17, 2015
“But for me it’s been a motivator to continue to work harder and get over that hump, whether it was trying to win my first major championship that took significantly longer than I thought it would, whether it’s trying to win an Open Championship or whether it’s trying to win a US Open.
“The fact that I’ve come so close is actually a motivator for me to work harder. And it’s encouraging that I’ve done well in this tournament and I’ve played some of my best golf in this event.”
Chambers Bay is a links-type course and conditions this week are almost similar to Muirfield in 2013, where he won the Open with a closing 66. The memory of that day and that win, Mickelson believes, could spur him to Grand Slam glory this week.
“In having success at Muirfield, when the course was dry and firm and fast and brown, much like it is here, gives me much more confidence that I’m going to play well,” said Mickelson, who closed with a 65 for a share of third place at last week’s St Jude Classic in Memphis.
“I had a good week last week and I’m hoping to carry some of that momentum into this week.”
Although the winners of the last six majors have been getting progressively younger – from a 36-year-old Jason Dufner to 21-year-old Spieth – Mickelson remains unfazed.
A fan favorite @ChambersBayGolf. Happy belated birthday Phil Mickelson. pic.twitter.com/I3yIWg5vNe
— Pierce County, Wash. (@PierceCo) June 18, 2015
He said: “I don’t feel that sense of urgency. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in. I’ve always felt a long golf swing leads to a long career and a short, violent swing leads to a short career. And I haven’t had any really long-term or debilitating injuries to speak of.
“So if I continue to do what I’ve done the last eight months or so, there’s no reason why I couldn’t play at a high level for a while.”
Mickelson plays the first two rounds in the company of major champions Bubba Watson and Angel Cabrera, teeing off for the first round.
