SINGAPORE (AFP) — A rejuvenated Phil Mickelson has reached a point in his life and career where he wants to play more golf overseas, and he expects many other top American stars to follow his lead.
The 37-year-old world number two makes his Asian debut at the Singapore Open next month and with the US PGA Tour shortening its season, he is certain the region will see a lot more US talent in future.
"I understand why not many Americans have come to Asia in the past but I would like to say that I expect that to change in the future," he said in a telephone interview from the United States Thursday.
"The USPGA Tour schedule has been shortened and that gives us players three months where we can now compete more internationally.
"And with sponsors like Barclays stepping up to make wonderful, unique events like the one in Singapore, I expect the participation among the world's top players to increase in the Asian market."
With the exception of Tiger Woods, who has made appearances in China and Japan, few top American names have been willing to travel to Asia and beyond at the end of a gruelling US season.
But with golf in the region flourishing and prize-money rising, Mickelson, a three-time Major winner, is confident the tide has turned.
During his maiden swing through Asia, he will play for a four million dollar purse in Singapore early next month before heading to Shanghai for the five million dollar HSBC Champions tournament.
Other top names like Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Sergio Garcia have also signed on for one, or both, of the tournaments.
Woods has opted out, choosing instead to spend time with his new-born child.
Mickelson understands Woods' decision but after 15 years as professional in the United States, where he has won 32 titles, he said the time was now perfect for him to play more overseas.
"A couple of things have really fallen into place for me allowing me to play more in Asia and on a worldwide basis," he said.
"Those are my children have gotten older and they can appreciate new countries and cultures and can use it as an educational experience, and that's why my family is coming with me on this visit.
"Also, given the shorter PGA schedule I now have a couple of months in the off-season where I'm able to compete and have time to compete on an international worldwide basis."
While his 2007 season has been hampered by a wrist injury, Mickelson said he has recovered and is gunning for victories in his final three events of the year -- the Fry's Electronics Open in Arizona, before Singapore and Shanghai.
"I had three months where I was not able to play well because my wrist was in bad shape, so it has been a very up-and-down emotional rollercoaster of a year," he said.
"But some good things happened. When I started working with (new coach) Butch Harmon my driving of the golf ball became much better.
"This improved driving has me very excited about 2008, so even though 2007 has had its highs and lows I think it is going to be a great springboard to 2008."
And the enforced break to let his left wrist recover has left him feeling fresh for a change at the end of the season.
"I'm not tired at the end of the year because I had that time off so I find myself wanting to play more golf. I'm excited," he said.
"I've been practising and working hard and I'm ready to put forth a good, strong effort in these upcoming events and hopefully there will be good performances before I have a two-month break."
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