Old White TPC to keep Lefty busy as family enjoys resort

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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- His daughters, Amanda and Sophia, are intrigued by the opportunity to get up-close and personal with one of the magestic birds of prey at The Greenbrier.

"I don't know where (else) in the world you can do that," Phil Mickelson said.

THE GREENBRIER

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Truth be told, The Greenbrier is one of only four properties in the United States with a falconry program. Not to mention, Mickelson's three children have already been bungee swinging, played laser tag and cooled off in one of the resort's infinity pools. White-water rafting is on the agenda for later in the week, as well.

Should the Mickelson clan be interested, there's always fishing, geocaching, croquet, mountain biking, paintball, horseback riding and hiking, to name a few more activities. And don't forget this week's star-studded concert series featuring Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and the "The Black Eyed Peas."

"It's an amazing place," Mickelson said. "I can't get over all the fun things that they have to do. ... The golf is a bonus."

That bonus this week is for all the fans of West Virgina, though -- not just resort guests -- as the PGA TOUR's Greenbrier Classic makes its second stop at The Old White TPC. And Mickelson, as is the case wherever he plays, is the star attraction.

The grandstands behind the driving range were packed as Mickelson hit balls in the blazing run before his noon pro-am tee time with the resort's jovial owner, Jim Justice. He's in the featured group on Thursday and Friday, too, playing with the golf pro emeritus Tom Watson and defending champion Stuart Appleby.

"I heard so many good things about last year's tournament, and I'm glad to finally be here and be able to play," the wildy popular left-hander said.

Mickelson, clad in an electirc blue shirt and white trousers, was literally surrounded by reporters when he finished his practice session. He would be getting his first look at The Old White TPC during the pro-am, but the tree-lined layout nestled in the scenic West Virginia mountains already had the approval of Mickelson's long-time caddy Jim Mackay.

"Bones walked the course yesterday and really liked it," said Mickelson, who finished second at the British Open two weeks ago in his last start. "(He) thought that it was going to fit well. I like old style golf courses. I like courses that are fun to play, courses you can make birdies, you can be aggressive on, you can recover if you make a mistake. This course seems to suit that.

"It looks like it's a fun, enjoyable golf course to play, but still be challenging."

A year ago, of course, The Old White TPC gave up just the fifth 59 in PGA TOUR history as Appleby came from eight strokes off the pace on Sunday to beat Jeff Overton by a stroke. Appleby birdied his final three holes to seal the win, breaking a four-year victory drought.

In the 12 months since Appleby's historic round, though, some changes have been made at The Old White TPC, which was originally designed in 1914 by C.B. MacDonald and updated 10 years later by one of his disciples, Seth Raynor. During the restoration a total of 243 yards was added and all 18 greens were reseeded with Tyee Creeping Bentgrass.

Not that Mickelson, one of the game's most aggressive players, a man fondly called "Phil the Thrill" in some quarters, had any problem with a course generous enough to serve up a 59.

"I don't know what it was like before or what the changes have been since, but I don't think there's anything wrong with guys scoring low," he said. "We're supposed to be the best at what we do, so I don't think it's an issue. But it is supposed to be a little bit more difficult, so we'll see."

Mickelson comes to West Virginia after making a stirring charge on Sunday at Sandwich, making up a five-stroke deficit on the front nine to tie Darren Clarke before finishing a career-best second at the British Open. Mickelson only had one top-10 in 17 previous British Open appearances so the reversal of fortunes was a significant one.

Mickelson hopes to build on that momentum this week at The Greenbrier. He stands fourth in the FedExCup but could overtake Nick Watney with a first- or second-place finish this week.

"I felt like I kind of turned a corner for me and I'm starting to put things together slowly, be a little bit more patient and enjoy my time on the course and be more creative hitting shots again," said Mickelson, who picked up his 39th career victory earlier this year in Houston.

And that creativity could certainly come in handy during the season's stretch run that includes next week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship, as well as the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.