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Phil Mickelson produces mixed bag as he prepares for Masters

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Phil Mickelson heads to the Sky Cart to discuss his third round at the Houston Open, where he shot 72, and his chances in the Masters at Augusta next week

Phil Mickelson admits he still has some work to do on his game ahead of next week's Masters at Augusta National.

The three-times Masters champion has been in fine form this year, ending a lengthy victory drought at the WGC-Mexico Championship, but he has been a little off the pace in the first three rounds of the Houston Open.

The 47-year-old American is five under following rounds of 68, 71 and 72.

"There's some things I'm doing well and there's some things I need to work on," Mickelson told Sky Sports.

"I'm certainly making some good putts. I'm making a lot of birdies, I'm making some big mistakes and missing a few drives pretty big, so I've got to work on that. But, other than that, there has been some good and some bad."

Phil Mickelson proudly displays the Gene Sarazen trophy after winning the WGC-Mexico Championship
Image: Mickelson proudly displays the Gene Sarazen trophy after winning the WGC-Mexico Championship

Mickelson claimed the first of his five major victories when winning at Augusta National in 2004 and he is eagerly looking forward to teeing off next week.

"It's a special place, I was there earlier this week. I just love it," he said.

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"It's the first major of the year. Everybody can't wait to get the season started - it really starts at Augusta - and I've had some very special times at that place.

"I cherish it. I think it gives every kid that loves the game of golf something to strive for, something to dream of."

The Masters is coming.....
The Masters is coming.....

Ways to watch the Masters, live on Sky Sports

Despite his indifferent form in Houston, Mickelson still believes he is in the right shape to mount a strong challenge in the Masters, with his excellent putting hopefully a key factor.

"The course is something I have played very well," he added. "My short game is as good as it has ever been so I'm excited about that, because that will allow me to save a lot of pars.

"This year I have driven the ball a lot better but here I haven't, so I'm a little disappointed in that.

"But one of the things that has been a mainstay for me throughout the year has been my putting. It's been off the charts and heading into Augusta that's the one thing I want firing."

Watch the Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage of the opening round begins on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.

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