Phil Unsure About A Torrey Pines U.S. Open Special Exemption

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You have to admire Phil Mickelson’s willingness to qualify and lack of desire to accept a 2021 U.S. Open special exemption. But with six runner-up finishes and as a native of San Diego, he’s a no-brainer based on any number of factors, from his career to the number handed out in the past to other legends.

According to this from ESPN.com’s Bob Harig talking to Mickelson after his Valspar opening run, the stance has at least moved from not wanting one to unsure.

"I don't know; I just don't know the answer to that right now," Mickelson told ESPN after shooting 2-over-par 73 at the Valspar Championship. "I'm scheduled to go through qualifying the day after the Memorial [Tournament in Ohio]."

As Harig notes, the USGA usually makes any such announcements in mid-May. The first was given to Ben Hogan in 1966 and most recent was to Ernie Els at Pebble Beach in 2019.