Nearly-man hopes to be major in 2004
The former world number one, who edged out Skip Kendall in a playoff to clinch his 22nd PGA Tour title at the Bob Hope Classic on Sunday, says his enjoyment of golf has returned, following hard work on his short game and fitness.
"I see the possibilities, if I put forth the effort and achieve all my goals," the 33-year-old said.
"It's about becoming as sharp as I need to be from 130 yards in...and hitting the shots (short game coach) Dave (Pelz) and I are talking about, putting and so forth. If I can get the mechanics down with (swing coach) Rick (Smith), I know I can strike it extremely well to win those majors.
"I love the challenge of trying to win a major. It's been a tough challenge for me, but I enjoy it," added the left-hander, who has 17 top-10 finishes in his 46 majors without winning one.
However, the low point of his year was away from the course. In March, his wife Amy had to battle through the life-threatening birth of their third child Evan.
"I'm not thinking much about last year," he said.
"I would rather just put it behind me and focus on 2004. My balance is much better and I'm driving the ball a lot better too. I think the biggest area, though, is mental. I'm working from a much more positive frame of mind."
Mickelson relishes the prospect of this year's four major championships, especially with the first three being played on courses he enjoys.
"I like the way Augusta sets up for me. I love that course. I've played well at the Masters and had chances to win," he added, referring to his seven top-seven finishes in nine years.
This year's US Open will be played from June 17-20 at Shinnecock Hills, where Mickelson tied for fourth behind winner Corey Pavin when the Open was last held there in 1995.
"I love Shinnecock and I played really well in 1995," he said. "My record in the US Open the past six or seven years is favourable to me.
"Because I have played well there (at US Opens), almost winning in '99, almost winning at Bethpage in 2002 and having a couple of other chances, I really like the event."
Mickelson's worst record at the majors has been the British Open, where his best finish was a tie for 11th at St Andrews in 2000.
"The British will always be tough for me, but I'm going to spend some more time over there and practise my short game with more bump and run shots," said the big-hitting American.
"I want to play well in that tournament, and I haven't really put forth the effort in the past. But I like Troon (this year's venue). It's a good British Open test, but it's fairly straightforward.
Whistling Straits will stage the year's final major, the US PGA Championship from August 12-15, but this is unknown territory for Mickelson.
A month later is the 35th Ryder Cup and Mickelson is determined to make the US team for the match with Europe at Oakland Hills.
"After the high of '99 to losing in 2002, I think that myself and the US team is really anxious to have another shot at it," he said.
"The '99 Ryder Cup was so exciting. It's one of my greatest thrills in golf, and I would like to experience that again."
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