Mickelson: Open under-achiever
Variety makes links golf so exciting because there are so many different ways to play the shots.
Phil Mickelson
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Phil Mickelson is a huge fan of links golf despite a history of below-par performances at the Open Championship.
The world number two has finished in the top 10 only once since his Open debut in 1991, leading to accusations that his game is too one-dimensional to cope with the event's unique demands.
Although acknowledging this year's venue of Royal Birkdale is completely different to anything found on the PGA Tour, the left-hander believes himself well prepared to make a challenge for the Claret Jug.
"The fact it's different from what we play day in, day out in the United States makes it something I relish," said Mickelson.
"Variety makes links golf so exciting because there are so many different ways to play the shots.
"You have to be creative and let the feel of the shot come out.
"The best example I see when I play links golf is the 18th at St Andrews with the Valley of Sin.
Options
"I see a lot of guys play it a lot of different ways and that's what links golf offers, a lot of options.
"A lot of guys get down in that valley and chip it out so they don't have to putt up the slope. I see some guys bump it into that hillside with spin, I see a lot of guys putt it and I see a lot of bump and run shots."
Mickelson highlighted the need for good course strategy at Birkdale.
"We talk about angles but in America on a lot of our courses it doesn't matter," added the 38-year-old.
"Here you've got to plan for 20 to 50 yards of roll so angles are critical.
"I think you want to have good decision-making. With the wind blowing as strong as it is today, short game is going to be a critical element in this tournament."
Tiger Woods absence from Birkdale due to a knee injury leaves Mickelson as the highest ranked player in the field.
And the 38-year-old does not believe the absence of Woods - the dominant force of the last decade - devalues the tournament.
"I am working hard to get my game ready for this week and I've practised hard," he added.
"I've developed a good game plan for this event and I am excited to compete against whoever is in the field."
