Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson has been granted a special exemption into the US Open at Torrey Pines.
The American, 50, needs to win the event to complete a career Grand Slam.
Mickelson has finished as runner-up six times at the US Open – most recently in 2013 when he took a one-shot lead into the final round.
“Winning the US Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream and I’ve come close so many times,” said world number 116 Mickelson.
“You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honoured and appreciative of the USGA [United States Golf Association] for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”
Mickelson is the sixth player – after Tom Watson, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk and Ernie Els – to receive a special exemption into the US Open since 2010, but of those to be handed a special invite only Hale Irwin, in 1990, has triumphed.
The 121st US Open takes place from 17-20 June in San Diego.
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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