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August 17, 2009

Phil Mickelson left Hazeltine on Sunday determined to fix his playing problems in time for the FedEx Cup play-offs.

Phil Mickelson left Hazeltine National on Sunday determined to fix his playing problems in time for the FedEx Cup play-offs later this month.
The world number two has suffered a slump in form since returning to the game two weeks ago, having taken six weeks off following a tie for second at the US Open.
This to be with wife Amy as she began treatment for breast cancer.
Mickelson’s US PGA Championship campaign concluded long before the tournament leader and rival Tiger Woods teed off in the final group, his final-round 76 being his sixth successive score over par having struggled at last week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
The American finished the tournament at 12 over par, his aggregate of 300 being his worst in his 16 appearances in the final major of the year, which he won in 2005.
With the FedEx Cup play-offs beginning on August 27 with The Barclays tournament at Liberty National near New York, Mickelson has plenty of work to do on his putting, having taken more than 30 putts in each of his four rounds at Hazeltine National.
“For the last two weeks I have been frustrating with my play,” Mickelson said.
“I’ll have, fortunately, a week off before we start the FedExCup and I’ll see if I can get my game turned around for the Barclays.”
Mickelson spent a lot of time working on his putting after his second round and had said he felt as if he was making progress.
Asked if he had felt the same on Sunday, he replied: “It’s hard to say. I haven’t putted the best for a little while now.
“It’s going to take a little more than overnight but I at least feel like I have little bit better direction.”
Having contended at both the Masters, where he finished tied for fifth, and the US Open, Mickelson skipped the Open at Turnberry to be with his wife but he said after his third round he expected much more from his US PGA bid.
“My expectations are high. I’m disappointed with my performance this week, regardless of what’s going on or off the course.
” I still have high expectations.
“It’s frustrating for me to not be in contention on the weekends of a major. That’s the toughest thing. But also good motivation for me to work harder.”