5 Sunday match-ups we want to see at the 2018 U.S. Open

SOUTHAMPTON, NY - JUNE 12: Tiger Woods of the United States and Dustin Johnson of the United States walk on the second hole during a practice round prior to the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 12, 2018 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

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AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 23: Phil Mickelson of the United States stands on the 17th tee during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 23, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Phil Mickelson vs. anybody not named Tiger

This matchup wouldn’t be about the other player — with the exception of Tiger Woods (we’ll get to that one later). The term always a bridesmaid never a bride comes to mind with Phil, especially at the U.S. Open.

Last year Mickelson’s daughter was graduating high school, and we missed the chance at yet another run at this title for him. Frankly, he made the right decision to skip the Open for that.

Six years ago, Mickelson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, but this title eludes him. It’s a title that separates him from immortality in golf. So far, only five players have won all five major titles in their careers. Six if you include Bobby Jones. Mickelson has finished second six times at the U.S. Open — including the 2004 U.S. Open which was held at Shinnecock.

So, if Mickelson were to end up in the final pairing, many people would be rooting for him to win to finally join Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Gene Serezen in the exclusive career Grand Slam club. In the end, Phil Mickelson in the final group on Sunday would get viewers to their sets and the crowd buzzing, just what the PGA Tour and USGA need.

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