Mickelson expects to challenge at US Open
Mickelson thinks his putting will be the key to his success
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Thursday, 18, Jun 2009 07:30
Phil Mickelson says he expects to challenge for the US Open title before taking time off to care for his wife Amy who is set for cancer treatment this month.
Mickelson's preparation has been affected but he says he is still capable of capturing his fourth Major title and taking back the trophy his wife has asked for.
Although the Bethpage Black course is particularly long the 39-year-old feels his putting game will be the crucial factor in whether he can win his first ever US Open.
"I'm just going to do the best I can. I feel my game is ready. Emotionally I'm better but you just never know. I guess we will just play it by ear day by day," said Mickelson.
"I've actually been hitting the ball better than I have in a long time and possibly ever. If I can have a good putting week, I expect to be in contention on Sunday."
Defending champion Tiger Woods says he is confident he can retain the trophy he won last year just before leaving the PGA tour due to a knee injury.
Woods says the course will be challenging but says it is one he thinks he can rise to.
He said: I like my chances in any Major. I just enjoy having to think your way around a golf course. … That to me, it's how the game of golf should be played."
Woods is playing with Padraig Harrington and Angel Cabrera on Thursday, the holders of the three other Majors, in what will be an exciting group to follow.
The American believes that Harrington is not far from his best form having altered his swing in the off-season.
Having gone through a similar process himself, Woods says the Irishman could become even better than he was before.
Woods said: "Sometimes you have to take a step or two back before you can make a giant leap forward."
Harrington, Woods and Cabrera will tee-off at 13:06 BST. Other interesting pairings include Rory McIlroy and Anthony Kim, who will also play with Dustin Johnson who start just ahead of the Woods group at 12:55 BST.
Ian Poulter will tee-off with Robert Allenby and Justin Leonard from the tenth tee at 18:14 BST, while Mickelson will play with South African duo Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, also starting from the tenth, at 18:36 BST.