Pavin: Mickelson committed to Ryder Cup

AMERICAN captain Corey Pavin insists Masters champion Phil Mickelson is fully committed to playing at the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October.

Ahead of this week’s Volvo China Open Pavin was quoted as saying “I am not sure if Phil’s locked into making the team” and it was suggested that given Mickelson’s off-course situation with his wife and mother battling breast cancer, the world number two has yet to commit himself to playing in Wales.

But after carding a bogey-free opening round five-under-67 in China yesterday to sit three shots off the lead, Pavin insists he is confident Mickelson will make an eighth consecutive appearance as the USA seek to hang on to the famous trophy in October.