Phil Mickelson has admitted that he is placing a lot of pressure on his own shoulders ahead of the US Open this week.

The American, who has finished second on six occasions in the competition, claims that the eagerness to record a victory in the only Major to elude him during an illustrious career is the driving force behind his challenge at Pinehurst.

"The expectations of me looking forward to this event, for almost a year now, and how much it would mean to me, makes it a challenge," Mickelson told reporters.

"It's a career goal of mine to win all four Majors. I feel like the five players that have done that have separated themselves from the other players throughout all time. It shows that they have a complete game.

"If I'm able to do that, I feel that I would look upon my own career differently."

Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only players to win all four Majors.