Golfing News

Californian golfer, Phil Mickelson, believes that a ‘change of tactics’ will be necessary at the British Open next week, if he wishes to end his run of poor form on links-style golf courses.

Mickelson, despite having won the Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and the PGA Championship in 2005, is routinely outperformed in British tournaments. The American finished third in the Open Championship in 2004, the only time that Mickelson has breached the top ten in the race for the Claret Jug. Anyone looking at the golf the Open betting will be wondering if he can better that this time around.

The problem, he says, is not due to the unpredictable weather, nor black magic or bad luck; Mickelson’s failure to impress in the British Open, or indeed, in any tournament on this side of the Pond, reflects his lack of experience on links courses. The left-handed player is particularly concerned about his putting ability.

Yyou need to putt with less break and more aggression [on links courses]“, he said. “The grass is a little bit coarser, a little thicker, [and] has a little bit more effect”.

Mickelson, much like Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell, has thrown himself into links competition recently, in a bid to improve his skill with the sport’s most important instrument, the putter. The American is currently playing at the Castle Stuart links in the Scottish Open. Mickelson hopes the event will have a “big positive effect” on his chances at the British Open. Those following the Betfair golf betting should keep a close eye on the warm up event.

The absence of Tiger Woods from the British Open presents Mickelson with a unique opportunity to crawl out from beneath the injured golfer’s shadow. Woods previously foxed Mickelson’s attempts at Major gold, but the 35-year-old, who has endured more than his fair share of tabloid speculation in recent years, has not won a Major since 2008. The last three years, by Woods’ own standards, have been the least successful of his 15-year career.

Despite Woods’ injury, the US will have a strong showing at the British Open next week, with Watney, Kuchar, and Stricker all teeing off at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course.

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