Phil Mickelson has his sights set on a big year in 2015.
Tiger’s back! The former World No. 1 returns to action after his latest injury lay-off this Thursday, when he tees it up at the Florida tournament he hosts annually, the Hero World Challenge.
So speculation is again rife that the 14-time Major winner might be able to re-kindle former glories in 2015, aided by his latest coach, Chris Como.
Speak to one of the 37-year-old’s predecessors, however, and you’re left believing it will be another big gun, and not Woods who will be firing again next year.
Butch Harmon is silent on his old charge’s ability to re-energise a physical frame that has had a neck injury, back injury, knee injury, wrist and achilles ailments in recent years.
But he has no doubt Phil Mickelson is a different case entirely.
“I think 2015 could definitely be one of the best years he has ever had,” he said.
“I’ve worked with Phil for eight or nine years now, and this year he’s had one of his worst years ever. His body was not 100%, and he was not 100% with a lot of things going on off the course.”
Harmon was referring to Mickelson being investigated by the FBI over an alleged insider trading deal on the US Stock Exchange.
But Mickelson has put it all behind him, claims Harmon, and between them they believe they have found the answers, both mentally and physically.
“For the first time in years, Phil never won a tournament, and that stung,” Harmon continued.
“So he is committed right now, and doing an exercise programme that is unbelievable
“He is eating right, and he is doing all the right things. He wants it in 2015, and is keen to get out on the range and begin his preparations. We are going to work really hard on shots from 150 yards in.
“The guys hit the ball so far nowadays, they have a lot of shots from in and around that distance and will give shots away if they’re not taking advantage of them at least 50% of the time.
“A lot of people say Phil doesn’t drive the ball that well, but he drives the ball today as well as he ever has. Yes, he might miss fairways, but he misses them now by about five yards where he used to miss them by 30 or 40 yards
“Fairways missed is the biggest over-rated stat ever there is. You are not in bad shape if you’re around 300 yards off the tee and only five yards off the fairway. Phil is working hard, and he is really pumped up for next year.”
Currently 20-1 in The Masters ante-post betting, Mickelson might be a steal come April!
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