### Phil Mickelson at 55: Assessing a Fractured Legacy in Golf

As Phil Mickelson approaches his 55th birthday later this month, just one day after the conclusion of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, the golf world finds itself reflecting on his complex legacy. Despite his tremendous career achievements, Mickelson's recent form suggests he is unlikely to complete the career Grand Slam, still missing the elusive U.S. Open title. With nine missed cuts in his last 13 majors, it's realistic to question if his top-level competitive days are behind him.

This period marks not just the latter stages of Mickelson's storied career, but potentially its final chapter. Whether he continues on the controversial LIV Golf circuit he helped disrupt or sporadically competes in dwindling major appearances, his future in competitive golf remains uncertain. Even Mickelson himself seems unsure about what's next, reflecting on this during a recent event at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.

Assessing Mickelson's legacy is a tricky task. As Brendan Steele, a teammate on the LIV circuit, noted, Mickelson's energy and willingness to help others have always been notable. Throughout his career, Mickelson has been a larger-than-life figure, from his six major titles to his dynamic personality. However, his recent struggles on the course and his controversial association with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf have added layers of complexity to how he will be remembered.

Since joining LIV in 2022, Mickelson's performance has seen a significant decline. This year alone, he missed the cut at both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Despite sporadic better performances in the LIV tour events, including two top-10 finishes out of six starts, his overall form hasn’t seen a significant resurgence. His last victory came at the 2021 PGA Championship, where he made history as the oldest major winner at 50.

Mickelson's foray into the LIV Golf series brought controversial attention due to the tour's Saudi ties. Notably, the tour is backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, raising ethical questions given the country's record on human rights. The mixed feelings about his involvement with LIV are epitomized by the title sponsor for this week's event, Ma'aden, which is partly owned by the Saudi government.

While some credit him for highlighting inequities in the PGA Tour, the divisiveness he has introduced to professional golf means the sport remains split. Major golfing events now offer significantly higher prize funds, a change some attribute to the pressure sparked by the LIV’s lucrative offerings.

Reflecting on his place in golf history, Mickelson stated that while his new role in LIV has brought some desired changes, the overall split in the sport remains. With his exemption into the U.S. Open set to expire after this year, and his realistic acknowledgment of age and performance limitations, this could be one of Mickelson's final appearances at a major.

Phil Mickelson's legacy is marred by contradictions. While he has achieved greatness with 45 PGA Tour wins and authored countless memorable moments, his late-career controversies have fractured his acclaim. Although LIV Golf may not enhance his legacy, his influence on the sport—both positive and contentious—is undeniable.