? American has traditionally had difficulty at the Open
? He claims this year is a challenge and 'a fresh start'
For a player of such consistent talent, Phil Mickelson's generally poor Open record is surprising. A third place finish, at Troon in 2004, stands out among a string of disappointing displays from Mickelson when crossing the Atlantic to play links golf.
The man himself needs little reminding of history. With that in mind, Mickelson aims to play this Open as if it were his debut. "I'm entering this year kind of like a fresh start, if you will," he said. "I'm not going to worry about past performances and I'm going to try to learn and enjoy the challenge of playing links golf.
"And I'm having fun doing that. I'm trying to pretend like it's my first time here and appreciate playing the ball on the ground on windy days and appreciate being able to play some through the air when the wind is a little bit calmer. I'm trying not to dwell and don't want to look back on my past performances that haven't been what I expect. But I feel excited and kind of reinvigorated to come over here and try to learn this style of golf and play it effectively."
Mickelson took exception to the suggestion that his driving has been wayward during Royal St George's practice sessions. "I think that that's a presumptuous statement," he said. "I'm actually driving it pretty well. I don't have any complaints."
Still, Tuesday'syesterday's weather made Mickelson's learning curve a steep one. A drive on the 11th hole ? into the wind ? travelled just 210 yards, with the same club moving the ball 380 yards just six holes later.
"It's just interesting," Mickelson added. "The air is so thick and the wind is so strong, to have such a varying degree and such an importance of trajectory and flight. I really enjoy playing here. I think it's a fun challenge, whether I play well or not.
"I don't think I can say I'm going in confidently; I'm going in with an open mind on some of the new ideas to play the course and hopefully play it effectively."
There has never been much doubt about Mickelson's ability around greens, leaving him perfectly placed to comment on Luke Donald's fine form. Donald's short game has been a key factor in his form.
"He has a great touch and he putts very well," said Mickelson of the Englishman. "He rolls it well, reads greens well, he just makes a lot of putts and doesn't make very many mistakes. If he has an overly challenging shot, he won't compound it by making another mistake. He doesn't follow one mistake with another. So he has good control around the greens."
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jul/12/phil-mickelson-the-open-golf
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