Mickelson ready for the challenge

Late-arriving Phil Mickelson passed a thorough swing examination during practice yesterday and pronounced himself fit and excited about competing for the US PGA Championship crown.

Mickelson, who skipped last month's British Open to spend time with his wife Amy as she received breast cancer treatment, played in last week's WGC-Bridgestone then returned home before coming to Hazeltine on the eve of the championship.

The big left-hander said swing coach Butch Harmon accompanied him for his practice round to check his form.

"Butch was able to go around all 18 holes today," the 39-year-old American told reporters. "And that was very beneficial to make sure that the swing is on track. The setup is correct and the path and everything is where we want it.

"So I feel like that's coming around. I'm excited to get started tomorrow."

Mickelson, whose mother was also recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, said the long-term outlook for his wife and mother was good, making it easier for him to concentrate on his golf when he is able to free time to work on his game.

"We've had some highs and lows. And I think that we'll have some more highs and lows for the next year or two," the 2005 PGA winner said. "I think in the end, everything's going to be fine.

"But right now I think things are day to day for us. That's both golf and not golf."

Mickelson, who came back from a competitive break to tie for second place at the US Open in June, said he planned to play in FedExCup events and would like to compete in the Presidents Cup.

"There's still some procedures we have to do . . . and if it fits the timeline then I'll be able to play. But if not, I'm certainly not going to adjust medical procedures based on golf."

Although Mickelson closed with 75-73 to finish 58th at Firestone, the world number two said he was upbeat about his chances in the year's final major.

"Even though I didn't play well or score the way I wanted to, I was able to identify what I needed to work on and address those these last couple of days," Mickelson said.

"I feel much better about my game heading into this week than, say, even the US Open. So I'm excited to get this tournament going."