Entering his first tournament of the new year, Phil Mickelson was optimistic.
“I'm excited to start the year,” said Mickelson, who spent the offseason losing 15 pounds thanks to diet and fitness regimens. “I'm curious as probably anybody is to see how well I play. I think I've tried to address a lot of weaknesses or areas that needed to improve and my motivation is back – this is the best I've felt in years, maybe even decades – and physically there's nothing holding me back from playing some of my best golf.”
Even after an opening 70 at La Quinta Country Club, one of The American Express’ three courses and typically one of the PGA Tour’s most gettable layouts, Mickelson stayed positive.