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 The American has been a runner-up at his national championship on
six occasions, most recently in 2013 when he finished two shots
behind Justin Rose, and he is yearning for the chance to complete a
career grand slam of the four majors.
"I don't feel that sense of urgency ... it's something I really
would love to do is complete the career grand slam," Mickelson said
after playing a practice round with fellow Americans Brandt
Snedeker, Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker.
"I'm in the best shape I've been in. I've always felt a long golf
swing -- a long, smooth, flowing 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 could become the second-oldest U.S. Open champion behind
Hale Irwin, who was also 45 when he secured the 1990 title.
Left-hander Mickelson has displayed encouraging form in his last
five PGA Tour starts, culminating in a tie for third at the FedEx
St. Jude Classic on Sunday when he closed with a 65, and no other
winner would be more popular at Chambers Bay.
In 2013, he clinched the one major he had always felt was the most
difficult for him to win, the British Open, with a brilliant closing
round of 66 at Muirfield and his already stellar career would be
made complete with a U.S. Open title.
"I've always been somebody, ever since I was a kid, that got
motivated by failure, that worked harder because of failure," said
Mickelson, winner of five major titles, second only to Tiger Woods
(14) among active players.
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"Some people get discouraged by that, and it almost pushes them
away. But for me it's been a motivator to continue to work harder
and get over that hump ... and it's encouraging that I've done well
in this tournament."
Mickelson loves the look of Chambers Bay, a links-style layout
adjacent to Puget Sound which will host the first U.S. Open to be
played in the Pacific Northwest.
"It's really a wonderful golf course," he said. "It's playing and
set up much like what we're used to at a British Open.
"Short game is going to be a big piece here, so I've got to get that
sharp and my touch right. I'm excited about coming here and
playing."
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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