Phil Mickelson 'close to best form' at 97th PGA Championship
Last Updated: 15/08/15 10:19pm
Phil Mickelson said he is close to rediscovering his best form after firing a career-equaling nine birdies in a round at a major on Saturday.
The five-time major champion said he could have threatened the lowest score in major history at Whistling Straits, which was equaled by Hiroshi Iwata on Friday, but admitted too many mistakes prevented him from ending the round higher up the leaderboard.
"It could have been in the low 60s and possibly broken the major record. That would have been special. But you can't make those kinds of mistakes," said Mickelson.
"I finally, though, hit enough good shots. I hit a lot of good quality shots and made some good putts. I did the hard things very well and the easy things not so well today, but it's a process of slowly getting it back.
"It's been two years since I've been at my best and it's a little disappointing that it's taken so long. But I'm trying to be patient and rounds like these help because I see how close I am to finally being at my best."
Mickelson, whose six-under par 66 leaves him five under at the 97th PGA Championship, said he must improve the psychological side to his game if he is compete for major honours once again.
The 45-year-old has not won on the tour since his Open Championship victory at Muirfield in 2013.
“Mentally I’m just not quite as strong and focused as I need to be. I’m making the easy shots difficult and the hard shots easy because I get a little bit better focus on the hard shots.
“I need to be more in tune and sharp, especially on the easy shots. To three putt, three times on perfect greens like this is just not something you can do at this level.”
