ATLANTA -- Phil Mickelson paused a good while before answering the question, realizing immediately that how it was answered had the potential to look bad. Of course he would love to win the Tour Championship this week and all the potential riches that go along with it.
But really, Lefty admitted, the goal is next week's Ryder Cup. And getting the issues in his game straightened out here at East Lake is more important than how he fares at the PGA Tour's season-ending event.
That might not sit too well with the PGA Tour brass, or tournament sponsor Coca-Cola or perhaps even those who come to the course to watch him in person.