Mickelson eyes 2008 with great expectations

Improved accuracy after working hard on his game with coaches Butch Harmon and Dave Pelz has given Phil Mickelson high expectations for 2008.

The American left-hander feels he is better equipped to challenge at the majors because of his improved driving accuracy.

"My expectations are higher this year than in the previous two years because I'm starting to drive the ball a lot better.

"And I've spent now four years with Pelz and my short irons from 150 (yards) and my putting have become much more consistent and been at a whole different level than before we started working together.

"I won a bunch of tournaments but I wanted to get better," Mickelson added, referring to his decision to switch from former swing coach Rick Smith to Harmon early last year.

"I wasn't performing off the tee the way I needed to to win majors and now I'm seeing the difference. I'm not missing it (the fairway) big."

Mickelson says he is fully fit after battling respiratory problems and bronchitis since last October.

"I feel 100 percent," the 37-year-old said. "I've been able to work out. I've gotten my strength back. I had some atrophy for a week or two and I wasn't quite as strong as I had been. But that's come back. I feel good."

By Mark Lamport-Stokes