Mickelson attempts to make it three in a row at Northern Trust Open
Wednesday 03 February, 2010
Phil Mickelson continues his quest for a first triumph of 2010 by attempting to retain the Northern Trust Open.
The world number two fired his Callaway Tour ix golf balls to victory at the Riviera Country Club in California a year ago with a one-shot success over Steve Stricker.
That was his first success in a year that brought a further two wins, alongside top-five finishes in both the US Open and the Masters.
Meanwhile, he holds a fine record in the Northern Trust Open with his Callaway golf equipment as alongside wins in the last two years, he also claimed second spot in 2007.
Mickelson built up to the event by making his 2010 PGA Tour debut in the Farmers Insurance Open, where he struggled with some elements of his game when finishing 19th.
Highlighting what needed to be quickly ironed out, he said: "My rhythm and timing were off.
"I wasn't able to accelerate through the ball very well and hanging back a little bit. At least I know what it is that I need to work on and I have a couple days to do it."
Stricker, who plays with Titleist golf balls, is again expected to be a main challenger, particularly after registering top-ten finishes in his opening two events of his 2010 campaign.
Furthermore, the world number three has not even hit his stride with his golf putter yet - the part of his game that particularly stood out in 2009.
The Northern Trust Open also marks the 2010 PGA Tour debuts for a number of top stars with Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk, Nike golf clubs user Anthony Kim and Adam Scott all taking part.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy will be looking to replicate the performance that saw him claim a maiden European Tour victory 12 months ago by registering a victory in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The Northern Irishman, who uses a Titleist 909D2 golf driver, pushed on from this victory and by the end of last year had moved into the top ten in the world rankings.
Now he is hopeful of becoming the youngest player in European Tour history to successfully defend a title at the age of 20 years and 279 days.
According to the European Tour website, he said: "After what happened last year, the Desert Classic will always have a special place in my heart and I am really looking forward to returning to defend my title.
"I am looking forward to returning to Dubai to see all the many friends I made there last year and, of course, I hope I can produce a similar result."
However, he faces a tough challenge as Martin Kaymer and Robert Karlsson - who have both already won on the European Tour in 2010 - will have their golf balls at the ready on the opening tee.
Furthermore, 2007 Dubai Desert Classic victor Henrik Stenson also takes his place in the field, while Tom Watson lines up in a regular season European Tour event for the first time since 1993.
Phil Mickelson continues his quest for a first triumph of 2010 by attempting to retain the Northern Trust Open.
