US hit by Woods injury

Phil Mickelson believes the US will be hit hard by the loss of Tiger Woods for the Ryder Cup showdown at Valhalla.

In an interview in September's Sky Sports Magazine, the left-hander admits Woods' absence is a severe blow to the hosts' chances of regaining the prestigous trophy.

Woods is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will not play again this year.

"Losing the best player in the world is going to effect the Ryder Cup. It's a huge loss," he said.

While those comments from Woods' great rival might sound like a golfer trying to talk down the host team's chances, he is confident the US will perform well on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Valhalla course.

"Valhalla is great for our team due to our propensity to hit the ball high and soft," he said. "A Nicklaus course forces you to do that as there are so many carries onto the greens over the bunkers and water. The course won't allow for run-up shots and that will fit our eye."

In Mickelson's new role as the top American, he is likely to foresee the young talent in Paul Azinger's US team including sensation Anthony Kim.

After winning twice on the PGA tour this year, Kim faces the burden of being tagged 'the next Tiger Woods'. Mickelson thinks the 23-year-old will make a big impact.

"With his length, Valhalla will be a course where Anthony can make a lot of birdies, so he will be incredible for the fourballs," said Mickelson. "He has an attacking style of play, and that youthful energy will also serve the US team well."

While not exactly brimming with youth, Europe's leading candidate for rookie is Graeme McDowell. The 29-year-old may lack youthful energy but is certainly up for the fight.

The Ulsterman will be fulfilling a lifetime's ambition if he gets a seat on the plane to Louisville, Kentucky. He worked as an on-course commentator on the last Ryder Cup.

"I put the Ryder Cup up there with winning majors," he said. " I desperately want to be on that European team, but it's tough enough as it is competing on the Tour without having the Ryder Cup on your mind."

To read the full interview with Phil Mickelson and European rival Padraig Harrington, don't miss the September issue of Sky Sports Magazine.