Mickelson eyes

Loch Lomond

road to Open

glory

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE
Phil Mickelson believes the Barclays Scottish Open will offer him the best possible preparation for next week's Open Championship.
Mickelson has not played competitively since finishing 18th in the US Open last month but has already played three practice rounds at Royal Birkdale ahead of the year's third major.
"Next week is always on everybody's mind and we are trying to get ready but part of that is performing well here this week," said the world number two, one of three players in the world's top six competing in the £3million event at Loch Lomond. "The best way to prepare for next week is to play well and be sharp here."
Mickelson has won twice on the US tour this season and was fifth in the Masters in April, but he knows the next part of the season will be vital in Tiger Woods' absence.
"I took the last three weeks off because I knew I was going to be playing for almost the next three months," added the 38-year-old.
"It's a very busy spell with this week, next week and then the USPGA Championship and I'll be playing nine out of the next 11 or 12 weeks.
"But I'm looking forward to this next three months because that will determine how the year went."
Mickelson is among the later starters in Thursday's first round, and will play alongside rising European stars Oliver Wilson and Ross Fisher.
Wilson was beaten in a play-off for the BMW Championship at Wentworth earlier this year - one of seven second places on the European Tour for the former Walker Cup star - while Fisher is on a high after securing his second tour win in brilliant style at the European Open on Sunday