PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF.—Phil Mickelson is still not exempt for the U.S. Open and says he won’t accept a special invitation. The U.S. Open occasionally awards a special exemption to the game’s best players when they are not eligible. “They have never been an organization that likes to give out exemptions, special exemptions,” he said. The U.S. Open began offering special exemptions in 1966 — four-time champion Ben Hogan received the first one. Sign Up NowMickelson was asked if he saw a special exemption as sympathy or as a reward for a great carer.

Source: thestar February 05, 2020 18:00 UTC