Mickelson's 'Career Slam' vs DeChambeau's 'Title Defense'... What About World No.1 Johnson?

Major US Open 'Different Dreams', Rahm 'Top Favorite', Koepka and Matsuyama, McIlroy Join, Korea Led by Im Sung-jae

Phil Mickelson will challenge to become the sixth 'Career Grand Slam' in global golf history at the 121st US Open.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Phil Mickelson’s ‘Career Slam’ vs Bryson DeChambeau’s ‘Title Defense’.

The biggest point of interest in the 121st US Open, which kicks off on the night of the 17th (Korean time) at Torrey Pines Golf Course South Course (Par 71, 7,652 yards) in San Diego, California, USA, is this showdown. Mickelson is challenging to become the sixth ‘Career Grand Slammer’ in global golf history, while DeChambeau dreams of back-to-back victories. World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and No. 2 Justin Thomas (both from the USA), and No. 3 Jon Rahm (Spain) are all participating, and ‘Major Man’ Brooks Koepka (USA) is looking for an opportunity.

Mickelson collected three different major championship trophies over a long span of nine years: the Masters in 2004, the PGA Championship in 2005, and The Open Championship in 2013. The problem is the US Open. He has finished runner-up six times?in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013?leaving the final puzzle piece missing. Especially in 2006, he started the final day leading by one stroke but lost the victory due to a double bogey on the 18th hole (par 4).

In 2014, he tied for 28th; in 2015, tied for 64th; in 2016, he missed the cut; in 2017, he skipped the tournament entirely due to his eldest daughter Amanda’s high school graduation ceremony conflicting with the schedule. In 2018, he tied for 48th; in 2019, tied for 52nd; and last year, he again missed the cut. As he ages, he is moving further away from the winning circle. However, this year is different. Last month, he became the ‘oldest major champion’ at the PGA Championship. Mickelson himself is determined, saying, "This is practically my last chance."

Bryson DeChambeau has entered the 121st US Open to defend his title.

DeChambeau is a player to watch out for. In September last year, delayed by three months due to COVID-19, he won by a huge margin of six strokes at the notoriously difficult Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, USA, posting the only under-par score. He bulked up by gaining 18 kg, which propelled him to the top of the PGA Tour’s driving distance rankings (322.7 yards), and he demonstrated the effect in majors. He has already won twice this 2021 season, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

Rahm is the ‘top favorite’ to win. Experts have noted his perfect compatibility with the course, having won the Farmers Insurance Open in 2017 and finished second in 2020 at Torrey Pines. His consistency is impressive, with 10 top-10 finishes in 17 tournaments. Unfortunately, he tested positive for COVID-19 after leading by six strokes on the third day of the Memorial Tournament, which ended on the 7th. He said, "I have fully recovered," and vowed, "I will definitely win."

Johnson warmed up with a tie for 10th at the Palmetto Championship, and Thomas has joined the field. Koepka is aiming to reclaim the title after his back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018, marking his chance to win again after three years. Among his eight career wins, four are majors, and he is known for his strength in high-stakes matches. Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), the Masters champion, and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) are dark horses. Korea is represented by Im Sung-jae (23), Kim Si-woo (26), Lee Kyoung-hoon (30), and Kang Sung-hoon (34, all from CJ Logistics).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.