Phil Launches Arthritis Awareness Website, Campaign

From an unbylined AP story, with the backstory on Phil Mickelson discovering his arthritis last summer after the U.S. Open and a new campaign he is associating with to raise awareness.

Mickelson has created a partnership with Amgen and Pfizer, Inc. and will launch a public awareness campaign Wednesday called "On Course with Phil." The idea is for people with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or plaque psoriasis to have it diagnosed early and get on a treatment program that's best for them.

The three-time Masters champion has not signed any endorsement deal, and he said it will not be visible on his bag or other attire. There were will be advertising, along with a website (www.oncoursewithphil.com) in which people can read his story and get information on the disease, from its symptoms to finding the right treatment.

Mickelson said he lost about 20 percent of his strength, along with some swing speed. He said most of the speed has returned, and he hoped to have the rest of it back during the road to the Masters.