Phil Mickelson targets dream victory

Three-times major champion Phil Mickelson has the chance to enhance his golfing status and convert a childhood dream into reality by winning this week’s U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

The American left-hander, a San Diego native and a resident of nearby Rancho Santa Fe, has played the spectacular South Course hugging the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean countless times since his junior days.

When he first heard the coastal layout would stage the 108th U.S. Open, he was delighted and he would dearly love to win the title for the first time in front of his home fans.

“I can’t believe this is the U.S. Open championship here at Torrey Pines, it’s something we’ve dreamed about,” a grinning Mickelson told reporters on Tuesday.

“Winning this tournament would be something that would help define my career. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to compete in the U.S. Open on the course I grew up on in the prime of my career.”

Mickelson has been runner-up four times at the U.S. Open, his most painful experience coming at Winged Foot in 2006 when he squandered a two-stroke lead with three holes to play before finishing a shot behind Geoff Ogilvy of Australia.

“I’ve come close to winning this championship and this is a tournament I know and believe I can win,” said the world number two, who has posted seven top-10s in 17 U.S. Open starts.

“I think this golf course gives me the best opportunity to do that so I’ve minimized some of my time commitments to give myself the best chance to prepare, get my game ready, understand and know the golf course and play my best.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of winning a major, even though I hadn’t won one until 2004,” Mickelson added, referring to his breakthrough at that year’s Masters.

“I enjoy the challenge of trying to win the Masters, which is a whole different set-up than a U.S. Open. But I enjoy the challenge of trying to win an Open and having that opportunity in San Diego is exciting.”

A perennial fan favorite because of his swashbuckling style, Mickelson will attract huge galleries this week after being paired with world number one Tiger Woods and third-ranked Adam Scott of Australia for the first two rounds.

“I’m excited to play in front of my hometown and be able to have so many family and friends come out and enjoy the week together,” the 37-year-old said.

“But I also know that Tiger is very well loved here and his success has been incredible. It should make for a very interesting week.”

Woods is a six-times winner of the PGA Tour’s Buick Invitational which is held at Torrey Pines while Mickelson has clinched the title in 1993, 2000 and 2001.

“This course is a lot tougher this week than what we see year-in and year-out in February, but I think that it’s a fair test,” Mickelson said. “It’s the best setup I’ve ever seen for a U.S. Open.”