Phil Mickelson arrived at the Barclays Scottish Open and hailed the newest tournament venue on The European Tour – Castle Stuart Golf Links – as “one of the best golf courses anywhere in the world”.
The American left-hander, a huge draw at the Barclays Scottish Open, got his first look at the new venue for the championship on Wednesday and was immediately struck by a golf course of breath-taking beauty that brings an element of fun back to the game.
The World Number Six was quick to praise the architectural brilliance of Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, the men behind the magnificent links lay-out in the Scottish Highlands.
“The golf is first class, it's one of the best golf courses anywhere in the world,” said Mickelson. “I think it deserves that type of status which is surprising from a modern day architect. I'm not usually a fan of modern designs. I mean, there are some greats, like Crenshaw, Coore, and I think Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse are great ones who recognise that golf is not about longer and harder.
“It's about fun, creativity, memorable shots, holes, challenges and it doesn't have to beat you up all the time. I think they have it just right and I hope that other architects learn from him. It should almost be a prerequisite to play Castle Stuart before you're allowed to design golf courses nowadays.”
Mickelson is hoping that the new venue for The Barclays Scottish Open can inspire a career reward that has thus far eluded the four-time Major Champion – a victory in Britain. The 41 year old, who has managed only one top-ten finish in 17 appearances at The Open Championship, believes his chances have been hugely boosted this year.
"I expect the winner of next week's Open will be in the field this week,” said Mickelson.
Asked about his Open Championship record, the three-time Masters Tournament champion added, "I wouldn't say either. I look at it more as a challenge. I enjoy the challenge of links golf. I've not performed to the level I have week-in and week-out in the States and I want to change that. I'm planning on doing that!
"I always play high through the air and to be able to play along the ground, keep the ball under control, drive it well through cross-winds, I've kind of embraced those challenges these last couple of years.
"I feel if I can overcome this obstacle and compete and win in this style of golf I'll become a complete player.
"I think there's only six players (actually just five - Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Woods) that have won the career Grand Slam.
"I look at those players in a different light. I think that would be a great goal for me.
"I've not won either the US Open or the Open Championship. I've had many opportunities in the US Open and I believe that I'll ultimately win there, but the biggest challenge has been in the Open.
"There are two reasons. The wind is only about 10 or 20 per cent of the reason and I'm going to combat that by hitting more draws.
"The biggest reason is the greens. I've not putted well - the grass is a little bit more coarse, a little thicker and you need to putt with less break and be more aggressive."
He has been practising on something more akin to what he will face these two weeks - and he has already had two days at Sandwich, liking the set-up a lot better than in 2003 when he finished only just inside the top 60.
