PGA Tour Barclays Classic Preview: All Signs Point To LeftyBy TOM BREW Inspin.com contributing writerIt's the week before a major, so you know what that means. While many big names are already off to Winged Foot to prepare for next week's U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson is in the field at the Barclays Classic in Westchester, N.Y. It's Phil's somewhat unconventional way of preparing for a major. Through the years, some have scoffed at Mickelson's logic, but who can fault him anymore? Just think back to April.  The week before Mickelson won his second green jacket at the Masters, he played in the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta and absolutely obliterated the field. If ever a perfect tournament was played, this was it. He shot 28-under-par on a fairly difficult course, won by a whopping 13 shots and had the season's most amazing stat: 89 percent greens in regulation. "It was a great week, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel like it couldn't be repeated," he said after winning the BellSouth and before heading to Augusta. "I don't feel like I don't have more made putts or more iron shots in me or more drives in the fairway. I feel like I'm starting to play well. I expect to do the same [at the Masters], or I hope to do the same, at least." How prophetic. He wasn't as perfect at Augusta - who is? - but he played well enough to win his third major. He has two in a row after winning last year's PGA Championship, so the Mickelson Slam is still alive. He should be every bit as sharp at Westchester as well. If you're a stats guy, then take this to the bank: Mickelson is first in money earned, first in birdies and first in putting average. He's second on the tour in greens in regulation. If you're a feel guy, go with this: New Yorkers love Mickelson, and the galleries will be carrying him along. And if you love the hot horse, then who better? Mickelson is game-ready, and he'll want to put on a show. He may not win by 13 shots again, but you can count on him being there on Sunday. SERGIO, WHEREFORE ART THOU? Sergio Garcia, the best player who hasn't won a major, loves Westchester Country Club. He's won here twice (2001 and 2004) and would like to do it again. "I like everything about it. I think it's a very challenging course, it's got a little bit of everything," Garcia said. "It's not a long course, but its one of those courses in the old style, so you have to position yourself in the right spots. The greens are pretty small, so its very challenging." Garcia has a Mickelson-like stat in his favor: He is attempting to win the week before the U.S. Open for the third consecutive year after winning tune-ups at the Booz Allen Classic last year and the Barclays in 2004. His secret to pre-Open excellence? "Just playing well," Garcia said. "I'm here this week, and don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to next week. But once this tournament starts, I'm here thinking about Westchester. I'm not thinking about what shot I'm going to hit next week on the third hole." Here's a look at a few guys to pay attention to this week: Mickelson (Wagerweb.com line: +800): Even though it's a short number, it's probably still a great value. He's having a great year and has raised his game to best-in-the-world level. He's got to be a heavy favorite this week, based on his pre-major track record. Jim Furyk (+1200): I'd stay away from Furyk this week. Even though he was looking at a probable playoff last year before Padraig Harrington sank a 65-foot eagle to win, he's battling some things. There are better choices. Harrington (+2500): He might be worth taking a run at this week. He hasn't played on this side of the pond since New Orleans in April, but he has been playing well. The defending champ has had three consecutive top 15s on the European Tour. Harrington is always a good choice on difficult courses. Carl Petterson (+$6000): If you believe in riding the hot horse, then don't let Pettersson's victory at the Memorial Tournament stray too far. His two wins have come on demanding courses (Muirfield Village and Innisbrook), so he fits right in here. --- by TOM BREW at WagerWeb.com on June 09, 2006
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