United States
Profile: Phil Mickelson
| Born | San Diego, California |
|---|---|
| age | 36 |
| height | 6ft 2in |
| Turned Pro | 1992 |
| World ranking | 2 |
| Appearances | (5) 1995-97-99-2002-04 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Foursomes | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fourball | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 9 | 8 | 3 |
| Win Rate | 51% |
Ever since 'Lefty' made his major breakthrough with a win at the 2004 US Masters - after his 47th attempt - he has been on a mission to catch up for lost time. Further major wins came at the 2005 US PGA and again at this year's Masters.
In truth Phil Mickelson let another one get away at this year's US Open at Winged Foot when he looked certain to win. All he needed to do was par the last to another string to the bow but a double bogey scuppered that particular script.
The most successful left-hander the game has ever seen bolstered his game when deciding several years ago to abandon the reckless all-out attack approach for a more measured game plan. It has paid rich dividends and the world number two is the closest thing Tiger Woods has to a serious challenger.
US captain Tom Lehman will surely not make the same mistake his predecessor Hal Sutton did in 2004 when he paired-up Mickelson and Woods for the two opening matches. They didn't click and the partnership failed miserably on both occasions.
The 36-year-old has played in every Ryder Cup since 1995 but 1999 in Brookline remains the only time he has tasted victory. This reason alone should be enough to inspire Mickelson, never mind the fact that he only contributed one point last time around when he and David Toms beat Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Levet.
In the 1997 and 1999 encounters Mickelson paired up with his current captain and they remain unbeaten as a partnership, recording two halved matches at Valderrama then beating Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood in Brookline.
Whoever Mickelson plays alongside, the languid figure will attract much support from the American corp, while his golf should be one of Lehman's key weapons.
- Paul Gallagher