Phil Mickelson competes at the U.S. Open next week at the Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, and the six-time main champion admits it may be his last chance to finish his career Grand Slam.

This will be the last year for Mickelson to win a five-year exemption for the 2021 PGA title on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where he became the oldest major champion.

Mickelson, 54, has won six runner-ups at the U.S. Open, the only one of four major championships he has not won. After Rory McIlroy did this in the Masters in April, he will be the seventh golfer to achieve this milestone.

"I haven't thought too much about it," Mickelson said in a press conference held by Robert Trent Jones Golf Club of this week's location of the LIV Golf League Championship. "It's very likely, but I haven't really thought too much about it."

When asked if he would participate in future U.S. public qualifications without exemption, Mickelson said: "I don't know. I haven't thought it was so far."

In February, the U.S. Open became the first major to create a direct path for LIV golfers, creating a new exemption that awarded a place for leading players on May 19 in various standings.

Next year, golfers in the final standings of this season will earn a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open. Players must not be exempted and enter the top three.

The top 60 players in the official U.S. golf rankings are also included in the U.S. Open Field. Players did not earn OWGR points for their LIV Golf League results - Mickelson is currently ranked 1,162 in the world.

Mickelson is a three-time Masters champion, with a lifetime exemption at the Augusta National Golf Club and in his two PGA Championships he won. He can compete in the Open Championship until he was 60 years old after collecting the purple-red water jug ​​in 2013.

Mickelson turned 55 on June 16.

Mickelson also hinted Wednesday that his Liv Golf League career may not end too far. He said he would continue to compete as the captain of the Hyflyers GC as long as he doesn't hurt the team.

"I hope this team succeeds," Mickelson said. "I don't want to turn it off. If I'm not an asset, if I don't help, if I back down, it's time to move on and let other people here really help the team win and succeed. These guys deserve experience.

Mickelson is ranked 15th in each point ranking, the highest position on his team. He finished third in Hong Kong and ranked sixth in Miami.

"I played better this year," Mickelson said. "I feel like I've been holding it for the last few years. My offseason is great. I don't feel like I'm just backing off right now. If I can continue to do a great job, please help the team succeed and then I want to play. But if not, I'm realistic, and I want the team to succeed, not my personal interests (in the game).