Lefty backing for Garcia

Mickelson tells Garcia: 'It's a matter of time'

Last updated: 8th August 2007

Phil Mickelson USPGA 2007

Mickelson: Garcia will be a winner

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Phil Mickelson has tipped Sergio Garcia to overcome his Open heartbreak with a strong performance at the USPGA at Southern Hills.

The world number three believes Garcia has what it takes to win a major, as he so nearly proved at Carnoustie before losing out to Padraig Harrington in a play-off.

The Spaniard led by three shots going into the final round, but slipped up to allow Harrington to take the title.

Yet Mickelson, who had to wait until the Masters in 2004 before landing his first major, believes the experience will make him a better player.

"I believed, just as Sergio believes, it's just a matter of time," said the left-hander ahead of Thursday's start of the fourth and final major of the year.

"I always believed and never really wondered if I would ever win one. I knew I

would I just didn't know when.

"It took more time than I had hoped but he's too good a player for it not to

happen.

"I think he feels the same way."

More to come for Pod

If Mickelson's experience is anything to go by, Harrington should find himself

more competitive in the big events now he is major winner himself.

"I remember a lot of things that came along with winning the 04 Masters," he

added.

"It's hard to lower expectations when you've won a major because you know how great it feels. You sure want to get it again. You want to have more wins. I

don't know if that's the hardest thing.

"I think that's a good motivating factor for a lot of guys when they get a taste how great it feels to finally win. It spurs them on to more wins."