Phil Mickelson's build-up begins

PHIL Mickelson is viewing this week's Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth as the point where his US Open build up begins in earnest.

The Masters champion will go into the event at Colonial looking to fine-tune his game ahead of his pursuit of the fifth major title of his career at Pebble Beach next month.

"The stretch to the Open starts this week," he said. "Everything is in preparation for that – from the equipment in the bag to shot-making and strategy. With the wind here and at Pebble it's a great opportunity to work on ball-striking into wind and across winds. I've also spent the last couple of weeks practising and getting my game sharp ready for this stretch."

Mickelson again has the opportunity to wrest the world No 1 spot from Tiger Woods should he become only the second man, after five-time champion Ben Hogan, to win this event more than twice.

Scotland's Martin Laird is also in the field and will be hoping to take up where he left off when firing a 63 earlier this week to qualify for The Open.