Mickelson: My game's feeling good

Last updated: 22nd January 2013

Four-time major champion Phil Mickelson is satisfied with the progress he made during the Humana Challenge.

Mickelson, who struggled to make the cut at this weekend's tournament, said he was grateful to have had four days to work on certain aspects of his game, in what were ideal conditions.

"I was rusty starting the year, and I had a great four days here where I could work on my game with perfect weather and wonderful golf courses, where I could build some momentum," said Mickelson.

"I feel a lot more confident in my game. I feel like I'm starting to play well, hit some putts on line," he added.

Mickelson refuses to be complacent and is determined to secure a win early on in the year, if he can.

"Hopefully I'll be able to make a run on the weekend here next week, because that's what's exciting, is having a chance to win," said Mickelson.

"Although I played well, I played better as the week wore on, not having an opportunity on Sunday, that's not fun," added Mickelson.

"I hit the ball well and didn't have too many big misses," said the American.

"I feel like I had pretty good control of my ball off the tee, distance control with the irons. Hit a lot of good, solid putts, but left a lot of shots out there still. And I'll have to work on that heading into the next two weeks," he admits.

To continue to prosper, though, Mickelson says he needs to get into more of a "scoring" mode. He doesn't want to let shots slip away like he did on several occasions last week.

Mickelson also conceded that he will have to be a tad more ruthless and clinical if he is to secure more positive results this season.

"I can't be three-putting putts for eagle, which I did three or four times this week,' Mickelson said.

"I can't fail to get up and down shots that are pretty easy to get up and down. Little strokes here and there, I can't be throwing those away if I want to be in contention. But the game itself feels really good."