Phil Mickelson said the redesign at Pinehurst No. 2 was “sensational” and that the increased length could play into his favor.
After spending the past two days at Pinehurst with short-game guru Dave Pelz, the six-time U.S. Open runner-up said he has a “good game plan” for next week.
“It’s an extremely long golf course,” Mickelson said Wednesday in advance of the FedEx St. Jude Classsic. “I was shocked at how many tees were moved back and how far they moved them back.
“Hitting 4-, 5, 6-irons exclusively into those greens became very, very difficult. Not many people are going to hit greens. But I liked it, because short game became a factor. If we all miss every green, I feel like I’ve got the best chance.”
TPC Southwind is good preparation for next week, Lefty said, because of the areas around the greens, with the “low-cut Bermuda grass, with the grain cut into you.”
“There are delicate, tough chip shots,” he said. “It’s really a wonderful place to get ready for next week, and I’m really glad I’m here.”