Risk-taker Mickelson hoping to end heartache

There are two sets of names that will bear down on Phil Mickelson at Pinehurst No. 2 tomorrow as he tees off in a US Open for the 24th time.

On one shoulder will be the greats of the game, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. On the other, Payne Stewart, Woods again, Retief Goosen, Geoff Ogilvy, Lucas Glover and Justin Rose.

And before Mickelson celebrates his 44th birthday on Monday, the American will have hoped to have joined the first and deemed the latter list an irrevalance.