Phil Mickelson signing caps at Mission Hills today
Mickelson formed a formidable partnership with Keegan Bradley at Medinah, winning their three matches in partnership before both men lost in the Sunday singles as Europe turned the American tide to complete that most incredible comeback and retain the trophy.
"I think the first two weeks following the Ryder Cup was a really tough low, one of the biggest lows of my career," said the 42 year old, twice a winner of the WGC - HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club before its move south to Mission Hills.
"It was a very emotional time because we really thought we were going to win. We expected to win; we were playing well and we thought that we were going to do it on Sunday.
"I think that the disappointment will last a lot longer than a month. I feel that over the next two years, we'll still have the same disappointment from not winning this year's Ryder Cup.
"Looking back, there was some good that came from it in that I had a great couple of days playing with Keegan as a partner.
"I have this new kind of excitement and energy that Keegan has and I'm excited about working on my own game and seeing what areas I can improve on from The Ryder Cup."
Mickelson is hoping the inspiration he drew from partnering Bradley will renew his focus on the game, starting this week on the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills.
"I enjoyed our time in Shanghai with this tournament, but I think this golf course is wonderful, too," he said.
"The fact that the golf tournament is moving is nothing different than what we have amongst all of the big Major Championships in golf. This is a great site with a great golf course to host it.
"I played the course for the first time this morning; Keegan and I played a practice round and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was fun to play."
Bradley, who is also making his first visit to Mission Hills, could not agree more with his Ryder Cup partner.
"I think the course is unbelievable," said the 2011 US PGA Champion. "It's just a great golf course. It's challenging but also you can score very well if you hit it well, and the greens are great."
Masters Champion Bubba Watson is making his first trip to China and has been hugely impressed with what he has seen so far.
"I've heard about Mission Hills throughout the years and how great the golf courses are around here, so I was really excited when we got here this morning," said Watson.
"I've always thought this was a beautiful place, always some place I wanted to visit. When we landed in Hong Kong, we came across some big bridges to get over here, and the waterways, the coastline off those waterways right there were beautiful, just like I've seen in the movies. So everything looked like it was supposed to.
"Then this place is pretty amazing. I love golf, so this is what intrigues me, seeing the mountains around the golf course." |
