Phil Mickelson boldly predicted after his 2021 triumph that it could be his achievement, and so far, his forecast has been correct.

has been a hugely successful figure in for more than three decades, and has amassed a sizable haul of major titles. These include three Masters wins, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship.

One of only 17 players to have clinched at least three of the four majors, remains the U.S. Open, where he has finished runner-up a record six times.

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The American made history in 2021 after becoming the oldest major championship winner at 50 years, 11 months and seven days. During the celebrations at Kiawah Island that year, the veteran's joy was tinged with a sombre acceptance of his future.

Speaking to the media in 2021, Mickelson said: "It's very possible that this is the last tournament I ever win.

"Like if I'm being realistic. But it's also very possible that I may have had a little bit of a breakthrough in some of my focus and maybe I go on a little bit of a run, I don't know.

"But the point is that there's no reason why I or anybody else can't do it at a later age. It just takes a little bit more work."

It appears that Mickelson's forecast for the future will continue to ring true, as he has yet to secure another victory on either the PGA Tour or the breakaway LIV Golf circuit.

Mickelson did secure the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in November 2021.

However, this seniors-only tournament, open to golfers aged 50 and above, didn't feature many of the sport's top-tier players.

It seems increasingly likely that Mickelson's days of vying for major championships are behind him, especially after his disastrous start at this year's PGA Championship.

He carded an eight-over 79 in the first round at Quail Hollow in North Carolina, which left him sitting outside the top 100.

During the opening round, playing alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Jason Day, Mickelson managed just one birdie and four bogeys in the first nine holes.

His round also included a disastrous tee shot at the 14th that ended up in the water, and a triple-bogey on the seventh hole.

The American is set to tee off in the second round of the PGA Championship with Fleetwood and Day at 6:14pm UK time, hoping to rectify his early errors and keep his tournament hopes alive.

However, if Mickelson doesn't start to make his presence felt soon, the pessimistic outlook from the 2021 PGA Championship may continue.

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