Mickelson plays down bid for third straight major

MAMARONECK, New York, June 13 (Reuters) Phil Mickelson is reluctant to dwell on the possibility of winning a third consecutive major title at this week's US Open.

''I'm just trying to win one, I'm not trying to win three,'' the world number two told reporters at Winged Foot Golf Club today.

Mickelson claimed the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol last August before clinching his second US Masters at Augusta National in April.

''I've had some success in this event where I've come close, losing by a shot or two, three times finishing second,'' added the American left-hander, who was US Open runner-up in 1999, 2002 and 2004.

''I know I can play well in this tournament, even though it doesn't necessarily fit my perception of how I've played with the thick rough and so on.

''I still have had some success here, and all I'm trying to do is be successful on this one golf course at this one event.'' Mickelson will start Thursday's opening round as arguably the pre-tournament favourite, having triumphed three times in his last nine major starts while posting four other top-10 finishes.

However, he will have to contend with the longest layout in US Open history as well as the tournament's traditional thick rough, tight fairways and slick greens.

PRISTINE CONDITIONS ''This golf course is set up for pristine conditions: zero wind, 80 degrees and warm,'' the three-times major champion said of the 7,264-yard West Course.

''And if they don't get it, this course will be unplayable.

''The greens are going to be way too fast, the rough is going to be too thick and the fairways are going to be too tight for anybody to sniff par if we get 15, 20 miles-an-hour winds.

''If we're faced with that, I think scores are going to be higher than 74.'' Mickelson has given himself every chance to become acquainted with the nuances of the course, having made three separate trips this year to Winged Foot.

''I've been here I guess on three different occasions for probably a total of nine or 10 days,'' he said. ''I feel I know the course as well as I can.

''But I still have a great challenge, and the challenge is executing, hitting the shots. That's the toughest part.'' The 36-year-old Californian tees off in Thursday's opening round with South Africa's Tim Clark and Thomas Bjorn of Denmark.

REUTERS DH RAI0248