Phil Mickelson accepted a special exemption from the United States Golf Association on Friday to play in the 2021 U.S. Open.
Mickelson said the following about his decision to accept the exemption in a statement, per ESPN's Bob Harig: "Winning the U.S. Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I've come close so many times. You can't win if you don't play. I'm honored and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on."
The 121st U.S. Open will be played at Torrey Pines Golf Course, which is located in Mickelson's hometown of San Diego.