Phil Mickelson explains what’s changed in his game ahead of the US Open and says it feels ‘great’

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Phil Mickelson seems to be in fine form ahead of the US Open at Oakmont next week.

Mickelson fired a fine opening round of four-under par 67 at LIV Virginia on Thursday, raising hopes that he could become the seventh member of the Grand Slam club next week.

How the US Open has eluded the 54-year-old is quite extraordinary, with six runner-up finishes to his name.

Whilst a win at Oakmont for Mickelson seems highly unlikely right now, there are definitely positive signs regarding his all-round game.

The Californian has made more headlines off the course than on it over the past couple of years.

Mickelson suggested that LIV have a far better product than the PGA Tour, and whilst he may well be right in some aspects, he should just put all his time into playing golf now.

The 54-year-old has even admitted himself that this week could be his last chance of winning a US Open.

Phil Mickelson explains what’s changed in his game ahead of the US Open

Interestingly, Mickelson has never completely closed the door on a return to the PGA Tour.

He is just an advocate for a world tour where the best golfers in the world compete against one another more regularly.

Putting all of that aside now though, Mickelson’s primary focus will be getting his game locked in at LIV Virginia this week, ahead of the US Open which starts on Thursday.

The six-time major champion spoke to reporters after his opening round 67 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.

And Mickelson opened up on how he has completely turned around his short game after struggling badly with it for a while.

“It’s really been — it’s always been the best part of my game“, Mickelson explained. “It’s always been the easiest part of my game. Last few years I’ve really struggled with it. Because I’ve never had to think about it or analyze it, I’ve been able to force myself to look at what it is I’m really I’m doing, what am I missing? I figured it out, and it feels great.

“It allows me to articulate it better, so I just shot a short game video because I feel like I can articulate it better so others can understand and relate. It saved me a few shots.

“Very first hole, I hit a poor drive. I was able to get the ball in front of the green. I’m 43 yards away, and I’m able to get it down there three, four feet away, and I make par. Last hole I hit a bad drive. I was able to get it up by the green in the rough and hit a great shot to tap in.

“Saving those shots are critical. I’ve been costing myself strokes, I’ve been losing strokes lately around the green. Now I’m gaining strokes, and it feels great.“

Could Mickelson really win the US Open?

It’s highly unlikely, that’s the cold hard truth of the matter.

However, stranger things have happened in golf.

After all, he is the oldest ever major champion, having won the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island as a 50-year-old!

Mickelson will have to drive the ball very straight and chip and putt well at Oakmont if he is to have any chance whatsoever of winning.

He’s certainly capable of winning the US Open but it would take a brave man to back him to be lifting the trophy at Oakmont come 7pm next Sunday evening.