Mickelson can take top spot at Loch Lomond

Phil Mickelson can overtake Tiger Woods as world No.1 in Scottish Open

Reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson could leapfrog Tiger Woods as world No.1 at Loch Lomond but he claims that’s not his priority this week.

Mickelson could overtake Woods with a second-place finish at this week’s Barclays Scottish Open, although the world No.2 maintains that he is more focused on getting his game in shape for the Open Championship at St Andrews next week.

“It would be cool but it’s not something I’m thinking about,” Mickelson said of his chances to dethrone Woods.

“I’m just trying to get my game sharp.

“It would be cool more because I’ve come so close to winning this tournament and it would mean a lot to me to break through and finally win.”

When asked what he would think if he did finally end his 250 weeks as the world’s second-best player, Lefty kept everyone guessing.

“I have a good answer for that but let’s not talk hypotheticals and I will tell you on Sunday if it happens.”

The four-time major-winner admitted that he had intended to come to Scotland earlier to prepare for Loch Lomond and the Open but personal matters prevented him playing a round here before the Loch Lomond midweek pro-am.

“Early in my career, I did not have the best technique for controlling the ball in the wind,” he explained.

“I was coming too steep, putting too much spin on the ball and so I feel like, from 2004 on, Troon was really the first year where I keyed into this.

“I’ve had much better performances in the Open here but still not what I would hope.

“In my opinion, the thing that I’ve struggled with most here has actually been the greens.

“If I can change that, I think I should be able to contend. Actually, I’ve had my most consistent success at St Andrews.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor