MICKELSON ON STRAIGHT SHOT TO VICTORY

7 February 2008 – As is evident from yesterday’s play, it appears as though the world number two, Phil Mickelson, is on par to take the victory at this week’s National Pro-Am tournament held at Pebble Beach.

In the last two major golfing tournaments, Mickelson has taken positions in the top six, tying for sixth place at the Buick Invitational, and then, just losing out on the win against JB Holmes at the FBR Open this last weekend.

Before play, Mickelson has said that he’s been looking forward to the tournament at Pebble Beach, and hopes to continue improving his game.

"I'm looking forward to Pebble. I feel like I'm starting to play better each round as the year goes on and I expect to improve my play this week, too", Mickelson said.

Mickelson is currently competing against the American Jim Furyk, British Open Champion Padraig Harrington, and the 2004 winner Vijay Singh; consecutively all ranked in the world top eleven.

Winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last year, in 2007, Mickelson is keen to do so for a second time running.