• Ryder Cup

Mickelson ready for Ryder Cup challenge

ESPN staff
September 13, 2010
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will be key figures for USA at the Ryder Cup © Getty Images
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Phil Mickelson has revealed the USA players are fired up to defend their Ryder Cup trophy at Celtic Manor next month.

Europe are strong favourites with the bookmakers, with Colin Montgomerie's side packed with players high in the world rankings. On paper, it is the strongest Europe side to take part in a Ryder Cup and Mickelson is aware of the challenge ahead - but is ready to launch a staunch defence of the title they won at Valhalla in 2008.

"I know that we're underdogs," Mickelson said. "I know how strong the other team is, and they're loaded from top to bottom. It would mean a lot for us to [win]."

Mickelson saved his best round of the BMW Championship for Sunday when he was paired with Tiger Woods and he admitted he is often spurred on when playing in the same group as the world No. 1.

He said: "Yes, he certainly brings the best out in me, and I enjoy being paired with him. I was looking forward to today's round playing with him, and we had a good time."

Mickelson has a strong record in Ryder Cups and is likely to adopt an aggressive approach to his game. When asked what makes a good Ryder Cup player, he said: "Guys that just make a lot of birdies, that play aggressively. Those are usually the better ones."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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