Five weeks after announcing his intention to return to Castle Pines this year, Phil Mickelson confirmed his participation Thursday.
A two-time winner of the event, Mickelson had played in 12 consecutive Internationals before skipping the event last year. Rather than continue his string at Castle Pines, Mickelson decided instead to practice for the 2004 PGA Championship, which was held at Whistling Straits, a new course unfamiliar to PGA Tour players.
“We’re happy to welcome him back this year,” said Larry Thiel, executive director of The International.
Mickelson has often said that, unlike Tiger Woods, he prefers to tune up for major championships by playing the previous week. That will be the case this year.
Immediately following the Aug. 4-7 International, the 87th PGA Championship will be played at Baltusrol, a classic-style course in New Jersey that has hosted seven U.S. Opens.
“My sole purpose or goal right now is to focus and practice and be as sharp and ready as I can for the PGA because that one (major) can change how I look at my year,” said Mickelson this week during a news conference for the made-for-TV “Battle at The Bridges.”
The “Battle” will pit Mickelson and Retief Goosen against Woods and John Daly on Monday night.
Mickelson, who won at Castle Pines in 1993 and 1997, needs to regain some momentum. Although he ranks third on the 2005 PGA Tour money list ($4,268,775) with three victories, Mickelson hasn’t posted a top-10 finish since tying for seventh at the Wachovia Championship on May 8.
His record at major championships has been disappointing: 10th at the Masters, a tie for 33rd in the U.S. Open and a tie for 60th in the British Open.
Erratic tee shots have been the biggest problem. Mickelson ranks 163rd among tour players in driving accuracy.
“I had a great start to the year and did not keep the play going in the first three majors,” Mickelson said at the news conference. “I feel like I should be able to get it turned around.”
Castle Pines could be the place.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
