Phil Mickelson Wants Rickie Fowler to Take His U.S. Open Exemption Spot

With Rickie Fowler failing to Monday Qualify for the U.S. Open, it seems that only a special exemption could save him now, though unlikely.

Phil Mickelson, who was set to play on an exemption, but instead just went ahead and got an automatic bid by winning the PGA, was pretty clear where he thought his exemption should go.

I hereby designate my (no longer necessary) exemption to Rickie.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 8, 2021

Though it’s probably not in the cards, it’s easy to see why Mickelson would vie for Fowler. Rickie was recently spotted signing loads of autographs for young fans, directly following his failure to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Rickie signing autographs at pitch dark. Nobody like him. #GoRickie pic.twitter.com/qpKTQ3OE9A

— Rickie Fowler Updates (@GRickie23) June 8, 2021

A wonderful display of humility and generosity that in some minds, like Phil’s, deserves the reward of competing at Torrey Pines.

Cover Image via Instagram