WGC NEC INVITATIONAL

August 24, 2001

Phil Mickelson

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, I scored well today. I shot 4-under and did not make a bogey. I was very pleased with the way I scored. I didn't feel as though I hit it very close. I didn't hit the best shots. But kept it in play decent off the tee. Had it get away from me a few holes, but I felt like I scored well. Got in the hole. Got up-and-down when I needed to.

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, I certainly do enjoy this golf course. I do feel comfortable on this course. I do feel as though I can score well here. It's a course where it's very easy for me to be patient on because there are not any give-me birdie holes No. 2 maybe, but I have not birdied that yet this week. There are holes that make it very difficult for the leaders to get away or to pull away, and so I feel that I can be patient and that I can make birdies throughout the 18 holes and stay with the leaders, as opposed to having to make birdies to keep pace.

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, I don't agree with your premise there, so -- yeah, I think that -- I certainly felt that way last week. Looking at it, if I can have a good finish this week and get to No. 1 on the Money List, I think that I would have a shot.

PHIL MICKELSON: I'll play St. Louis.

PHIL MICKELSON: Briefly.

PHIL MICKELSON: I thought I putted really well today. I made a ton of putts; that really kept me in it.

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, I don't think so. I just -- I think it's going to be pretty close this year. I don't know who played better, I really don't. I know that there's one player that's one more tournaments, but I don't know who has played better throughout the year.

PHIL MICKELSON: It's news to me. I know nothing about it.