Firestone victory, not top spot, the focus for Mickelson

Akron, August 08, 2010: Phil Mickelson’s thoughts remained focused on trying to win the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational after his bid to replace Tiger Woods as world number one stalled in Saturday’s third round.

The American left-hander, who would take the top ranking with a top-four finish at Firestone Country Club should Woods place outside the top 44, shares 10th spot going into the final round.

“I’m trying to win the tournament,” Mickelson told reporters after slipping from joint second overnight with a one-over 71 in ideal scoring conditions.

“I’m only four (shots) back, and I fought hard today not really having much (game) just to stay within striking distance. I found it difficult.”

The four-times major winner struggled off the tee, missing 10 of 14 fairways, and bogeyed two of the last five holes on the way to a five-under total of 205.

“I think the later groups all found it tough today with all the (earlier) guys shooting six, seven, eight-under par in front of us for us to try to keep pace,” Mickelson said.

“We felt like we had to force the issue. If I can make some birdies tomorrow, hopefully I can give those leaders the same feeling.”

Perhaps unfortunate to play in the same era as Woods, Mickelson has never reached the top of the world rankings and has occupied second spot for a record total of 257 weeks.

Golf’s Summit

He has long expressed his desire to breach golf’s summit but has always focused more on the process of how to get there.

“You just keep playing,” the 40-year-old American said. “How I got here in the first place was by winning golf tournaments, and how I will sustain it is by winning golf tournaments.

“Winning golf tournaments takes care of a lot of things and being number one is one of them.”

Woods, a 14-times major champion, has been golf’s leading man for the last 269 weeks and for an overall total of 611 weeks in his illustrious career.

However, he has not won a tournament since being embroiled in scandal about his extra-marital affairs in the wake of his Australian Masters victory in November. At Firestone this week, he has been a shadow of his former dominant self and lies third-last going into the final round.

Mickelson will tee off on Sunday eight groups ahead of American pacesetters Sean O’Hair and Ryan Palmer, a position he clearly relished.

“I’m going into tomorrow thinking I’ve got to be on the attack, that I’ve got to be firing at pins and make birdies to try and catch the lead,” the 38-times PGA Tour winner said.

“I like that feeling. I think I can put some pressure on the leaders.”

Women's Golf Camp

Chandigarh Golf Club Academy, 24th August to 24th September 2010, Every Tuesday & Friday, 5pm to 6pm

With the encouragement of Sh. BS Gill, President of Chandigarh Golf Club and Capt. GS Ghuman, Chairman Tournament & Handicapping & Finance of Chandigarh Golf Club a Women's Golf Camp will be conducted at the Chandigarh Golf Club Academy of Golf from 24th August - 24th September, twice a week, every Tuesday & Friday between 5pm – 6pm. It is aimed at increasing the number of women learning and participating in golf in the tricity.

This is an ideal introductory camp for women seeking a warm and supportive atmosphere to learn golf and is designed exclusively for women as an introduction to the game of golf and offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere for women beginning the game. The basic fundamentals of the golf swing including grip, aim, alignment, set up, ball position, stance and posture will be taught. Ladies will be explained how the golf club is supposed to work talking about the leading edge and the way the club should look in the hands at address and impact position.

Full swing basics and getting the hands and wrists involved to create more power will be demonstrated. EGTF certified coach and Joint Director of the Chandigarh Golf Club Academy, Ajay Gujral will conduct this golf camp strictly on the guidelines of the European Golf Teachers' Federation, UK. All ladies in this camp will be with a group of other ladies that have the same challenges with their game since all of them will be total beginners.

The focus of this golf camp is all about having fun and making the ladies feel comfortable with their golf swing amongst each other. This Women's Golf Camp is open to Members as well as Non-Members of Chandigarh Golf Club. Golf Equipment such as Golf Clubs & Golf Balls will be provided free to all the ladies. Golf Magazines and Golf Visors worth Rs.1000 sponsored by ''Golf Plus'' will also be distributed free to all the ladies. In addition to this a fun competition will take place on the last day in which a prize worth Rs.1000, sponsored by Pinnacle will be given to the winner.