Mickelson has no intention of curbing style

Phil Mickelson, the perennial bridesmaid at golf's four majors, believes he has a new trick up his sleeve which could end his long wait for a title at this week's British Open.

Mickelson, tagged the best player never to have won a major, told a news conference at Royal St George's on Monday that he had no plans to restrict his power off the tee but was confident he could find the all-important accuracy which the course will demand.

"I'm playing a new ball which I've not used in a British Open before. It's low spinning and goes through the air better and in the wind it's better performing for me," he said.

"I don't have to alter my swing to keep the ball down and control it in the winds that we see at this championship. That's why I have been excited about it."

The 33-year-old added that he now planned to change his usual schedule to regularly include the Scottish Open, which traditionally precedes the championship, to acclimatise better for the challenge ahead.

"I don't think it was a coincidence that my best performance in the Open came in 2000 after playing at Loch Lomond the week before, getting adjusted to the time and playing competitively.

"So I anticipate doing this pretty regularly now."

The American has finished in the top three of the U.S. Open, the Masters and the U.S. PGA Championship but has never really threatened in a British Open and his best return of tied 11th came in 2000 when Tiger Woods ran away with the Claret Jug at St Andrews.

His failure in 10 previous attempts can be attributed to an unwillingness to compromise a big-hitting, safety-last approach which has been heavily punished on the Open's links courses where errant drives find impenetrable rough or deep pot-hole bunkers.

Mickelson is happy with his form despite a relatively undistinguished season so far which has taken from a career-high second spot in the world rankings to 10th.

Last week at the Scottish Open he finished tied 35th, 15 shots adrift of winner and British Open holder Ernie Els.

He remains confident nevertheless.

"I hit it actually good at Loch Lomond but scored horrendously for the way I felt I was playing but I'm aiming to put it all together -- hopefully this week."

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