Mickelson fit for Buick Invitational
World number two Phil Mickelson has said that his respiratory problem should not now keep him out of the Buick Invitational starting at Torrey Pines near his San Diego home tomorrow.
Mickelson’s first appearance of the year – and his first clash with Tiger Woods, of course – was in doubt when he spent three days on antibiotics and resting on doctor’s advice.
But he put out a statement yesterday saying he was feeling “much, much better”.
The left-hander expected to make his 6.42am pro-am tee-off time today and had also scheduled an afternoon practice session with coach Butch Harmon.
“I’m looking forward to working with Butch to make sure everything’s in order for this week,” he added.
Mickelson’s first win as a US Tour member came in the event in 1993 and this will be his 18th consecutive appearance in the tournament.
He has won twice since at Torrey Pines, shooting 31 on the final nine to win by four in 2000 and so end Woods’ six-tournament winning streak and in 2001 a double bogey on the third play-off hole was good enough to beat Frank Lickliter.
Following the Buick, Mickelson plans to play the FBR Open, the AT&T National Pro-Am, the Northern Trust Open and the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
