Mickelson fit for Buick Invitational

2008-01-23

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LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) -- Phil Mickelson said that his respiratory problem should not keep him out of the Buick Invitational, which starts at Torrey Pines near his San Diego home on Thursday.

Mickelson's first appearance of the year was in doubt when he was instructed by doctors to rest and take antibiotics to clear up his illness.

But, the world No. 2 put out a statement on Tuesday saying he was feeling "much, much better."

Mickelson expected to make his 6:42 a.m. PST pro-am tee-off time on Wednesday and had also scheduled an afternoon practice session with coach Butch Harmon.

"I'm looking forward to working with Butch to make sure everything's in order for this week," Mickelson said.

The lefthander Mickelson's first win as a PGA Tour member came at this event in 1993 and this will be his 18th consecutive appearance in the tournament.

He has won twice since at Torrey Pines, shooting 31 on the final nine to win by four in 2000, ending world No. 1 Tiger Woods' six-tournament winning streak.

Mickelson won again in 2001 as a double bogey on the third playoff hole was good enough to beat Frank Lickliter.

Following the Buick Invitational, Mickelson plans to play the FBR Open, the AT&T National Pro-Am, the Northern Trust Open and the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.