It really does feel good to finally get the scores out of it, to know that I am playing well, i know that, as I look back on those other victories here, how special they were... I've got a little bit of work to get my ball striking back to that level that I need it to be for tomorrow's round. But it's fun to be back in the thick of it.

Phil Mickelson

Categorized in : Sports

The object of golf is not just to win. It is to play like a gentleman, and win.

Phil Mickelson

winning golf sports

A great shot is when you pull it off. A smart shot is when you don't have the guts to try it.

Phil Mickelson

shots smart trying

I would rather try a shot to win than play safe and finish second.

Phil Mickelson

winning play trying

The only way to win tournaments is with the short game. Over half your shots out here are within 30 or 40 yards. Ballstriking is where I'm trying to improve, yes, but more to eliminate big numbers than make birdies.

Phil Mickelson

games winning numbers

The thing I was most proud of about today's round was that on this course everybody is going to make mistakes, but sometimes it's hard to forget about it and let it go. After I made a double on 1, I was able to be patient and let it go and came back with birdies on 3 and 5. When I bogeyed 6, I was able to let it go and come back with a birdie on 8. I was able to let go of some bad shots and forget about it and move on.

Phil Mickelson

letting-go mistake moving

I have come to understand and appreciate writers much more recently since I started working on a book last fall. Before that, I thought golf writers got up every morning, played a round of golf, had lunch, showed up for our last three holes and then went to dinner.

Phil Mickelson

morning sports book

I think a college education is important no matter what you do in life.

Phil Mickelson

college sports thinking

I think it's more than whether or not you win or lose. It's having that opportunity on that final round, final nine, to come down the stretch with a chance to win.

Phil Mickelson

winning golf opportunity

The winner of this tournament doesn't just win a major. He become a part of the history of the game.

Phil Mickelson

games winning golf

My style of play won't ever change, because I enjoy that aggressive style of golf. It allows me to play my best. When I attack pins, I stay more focused. I get more into the shot and, consequently, I get more out of the shot and out of my game by playing aggressive.

Phil Mickelson

games play golf

Changing would not give me the best chance to win. I need to have fun. I need to attack.

Phil Mickelson

winning fun giving

It'll be nice not to have to use my fake IDs anymore.

Phil Mickelson

fake-people nice use

My kids and I sometimes will just sit in my office and talk about what the world was like 68 million years ago. Amanda, our oldest daughter, wanted to be a paleontologist for a long time.

Phil Mickelson

daughter mother kids

If you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate's 62, 63 percent. So I've got to make some decisions on what I'm going to do.

Phil Mickelson

unemployment decision add

I have not found my perspective on my career change. What I have found is that my life in general has been more fulfilling. To be able to influence an individual's life and on who they become as a person is a very rewarding feeling.

Phil Mickelson

perspective careers feelings

I try to respect everybody out here: players, caddies, fans, media.

Phil Mickelson

media player trying

I hate to play a tournament in which I'm not contending. It's just not any fun for me.

Phil Mickelson

hate play fun

The more you study the course, the more you appreciate what a great test it is.

Phil Mickelson

appreciate tests study

My family has reduced the effect of my career on my self-esteem. When I'm with them, they make me feel special regardless of how I play.

Phil Mickelson

careers self-esteem play

I don't think my style of play is what has prevented me from winning major championships. I think that execution has been more of a factor.

Phil Mickelson

winning play thinking