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It’s been a long, bruising year for Phil Mickelson.

The five-time major winner has experienced some significant ups and downs throughout 2018, which he admits has left him feeling mentally drained and planning some major changes to his schedule next year.

Speaking to the media at the Safeway Open, where he goes into the final round in a tie for 15th, Mickelson said that he plans to shake things up a bit next year.   

• Phil slates ‘almost unplayable’ Ryder Cup course

• Former Open champion hits out at Patrick Reed

“I love what I do but now, as opposed to playing the tournaments you’re expected to play in or whatever, I’m going to play the events that I like, that are best for me even if it doesn’t make sense or if people have a problem with it.

Phil Mickelson

“I’m going to have to start limiting the number of tournaments I play so that I can play those at a higher level because I’m getting a little bit more mental fatigue and not able to focus and see the shot as clearly as I’d like for so many weeks in a row.”

• Tyrrell Hatton spills beans on ‘messy’ Ryder Cup party

• Tommy Fleetwood reacts to US Ryder Cup fall-out

Mickelson, who turned 48 in June, added that he won’t let sentiment get in the way of his decision-making.

“I think there will be some [events] that I miss that people will be upset about, but I’m not going to worry about it,” he said.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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