Phil Mickelson happy with new major status

Masters champion Phil Mickelson is relishing the chance to compete at the 104th U.S. Open no longer burdened by the tag of being the best player not to have won a major.

Mickelson's one-shot victory over South African Ernie Els at Augusta in April finally got the monkey off his back after 47 attempts and the American is now thinking about doubling his tally when the U.S. Open starts on Thursday.

"I don't feel different, but I do feel like it's enjoyable to answer questions, it's enjoyable to sign autographs, it's enjoyable to play practice rounds," Mickelson said.

"I don't have to feel like, gee, if I could just break through or feel the pressure of trying to break through.

"Now I'm looking at it as though this is a tournament that I came close to winning in 2002, I came really close in '99. It's a tournament I've played well in the past.

"Maybe I could add one more to it."

Mickelson finished in a tie for fourth in 1995 and then finished in second place in 1999 when the Open was at Pinehurst, a set up very similar to Shinnecock with closely mown areas around the greens. He was also second in 2002.

"My success at the Masters this year stemmed from trying to salvage half a shot to a shot per round somewhere throughout the 18 holes," Mickelson said.

"I don't feel like I have to do that much different from '95. I drove it very well that year. I hit almost 80 percent of my fairways. If I drive it like that I'm going to have opportunities to make easy pars as well as some birdies."

Mickelson is aware of the potential pitfalls and of Tiger Woods, who continues to lurk as a favourite in any golf tournament he enters.

"I don't know if we've caught him, if the gap has narrowed or not, but I think we all expect him to come out and light it up like he usually does, and I think it's very, very soon going to happen," Mickelson said.

"I just hope we can put it off as long as possible."