Mickelson looks ahead to TPC

Posted on 07/05/08. By Staff writer

Phil Mickelson is regarding the Players Championship as the unofficial fifth major while preparing for his title defence, which starts today (Thursday)

"It will be the same as other majors for me," the American world number two said in the build-up for the prestigious PGA Tour event, which attracts one of the strongest fields of the year.

"I'll usually take Monday off at a major, play a practice round early on Tuesday and on Wednesday I'll go off-site and get work done on areas of my game that need improvement."

Left-hander Mickelson, who won last year's title at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass by two shots, expects a typically tough challenge in firm and fast conditions.

The main difference for the players will be the rough which will exceed the two-inch depth from 12 months ago.

"I don't know exactly how the course will be set up but I would guess it would be similar to what we saw last year," Mickelson said.

"The whole point ...