SANDWICH - Phil Mickelson has decided to wipe the slate clean in an effort to finally get to grips with British Open-style links golf.

The 41-year-old, four-time major winner has long been an outstanding threat at the three other majors - Masters, US Open and USPGA.

But to date, the only one of golf's big four tournaments that takes place outside of the United States has remained for him a battleground.

In 17 previous appearances dating back to Birkdale in 1991, he has finished in the top 10 just once, a third place at Troon in 2004 behind compatriot Todd Hamilton and Ernie Els.

Nothing has worked for him, so this year at Royal St. George's, Mickelson is erasing his memory bank.

"I'm entering this year kind of like a fresh start, if you will," he said.

"I'm not going to worry about past performances, and I'm going to try to learn and enjoy the challenge of playing links golf. And I'm having fun doing that.

"I'm trying to pretend like it's my first time here and appreciate playing the ball on the ground on days like this (windy) and appreciate being able to play some through the air when the wind is a little bit calmer.

"I'm not going to dwell and don't want to look back on my past performances that haven't been what I expect.

"But I feel excited and kind of reinvigorated to come over here and try to learn this style of golf and play it effectively."

With Tiger Woods injured and out of the picture, Mickelson shoulders the extra responsibilities of being the big-name American and as such his country's flag-bearer.

That at a time when US golf is in the doldrums and on a record run of five majors without a win, the last being Mickelson's third win at the Masters in April of last year.

But he insists the globalization of the game is not something that should overly concern Americans, rather they should take it in their stride and look to make improvements.

"I'm not worried about American golf," he said. "I think I'm more happy to see how strong international golf is.

"We've got players from all over the world winning the biggest events, and I think that this only helps promote and grow the game of golf on an international level, so I think it's been a good thing.

"I'm not worried - it's not as though we don't have good young players coming up to represent America because I think we do."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 07/14/2011 page22)