Phil A Definite Maybe For TPC Scottsdale Start

Phil Mickelson released a statement today on where his back issues stand heading into the Waste Management Open, where he is defending champion.

Mickelson saw back specialist Tom Boers.

“My facet joints had locked up,” said Mickelson. “Tom restored my mobility but I still have inflammation that will take a week or two to subside.”

Mickelson plans to fly to Scottsdale Wednesday in hopes of defending his third Waste Management Phoenix Open title.

“If it was any other tournament I’d skip it,” said Mickelson, “but I’m defending, it’s my second hometown and I love the event. I’ll have a light practice session and if it goes well I may try to play.”

Mickelson was scheduled to play the Waste Management Phoenix Open and AT&T National Pro-Am before taking two weeks off for vacations with his children while they’re on their semester breaks in two different schools.

“I’m itching to play,” said Mickelson, who has won 19 of his 42 career titles on the West Coast swing, “but I have to look at the big picture. I have a number of tournaments I want to play and play well this year, including the majors, so I have to be realistic about how I feel in the short term.”