Mickelson’s ranking as top USA player is extra boost

Much was made of the fact that Mickelson’s victory at the Shell Houston Open – the final event before the opening major of the season – had finally ended 14 years of trailing Tiger Woods on the world rankings.

But there was more to it than that. Before Woods came Tom Lehman, before him came Corey Pavin and before him came Fred Couples – Mickelson has never before been his country’s No 1.

Now he is and, having leaped to third in the world while relegating Woods from sixth to seventh, the No 1 spot is within touching distance again for the left-hander at Augusta.

If he makes a successful defence on Sunday – only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods have done that in Masters history – Mickelson will go top unless Martin Kaymer is second to him.

Finishing second could be good enough, but things are so tight thanks to Woods going almost 17 months without a win that six players all have a chance to top the rankings this weekend. Top two could do it for Mickelson and top four for Lee Westwood.

He said: “It feels really good for me to have played well and to gain some momentum. It feels a lot like ‘06 (he won in Atlanta the week before capturing his second Masters) in that I needed to have a week where I put it together.

“There’s always a bunch of guys that can win the Masters, but I certainly like the way that I play the golf course and I’m very pleased with the way my game is coming round.”

By contrast, England’s Justin Rose prepared for his return to Augusta after failing to qualify last year, by holidaying in the Bahamas.

“I think the mistake I’ve tried not to repeat is over-preparing,” he said.

Leeds-born Eddie Bullock, whose professional golfing life began as a teaching assistant at Roundhay Municipal in 1971, has been elected captain of the PGA. He will serve for two years.