Mickelson nags at putting

Phil Mickelson knows he will have to improve on his putting in order to win the US Open next week.

Powered by automated translation

MEMPHIS // Phil Mickelson knows he will have to improve on his putting in order to win the US Open next week. And the American, who shot a third-round 68 and was 10 back on 206 at the St Jude Classic - his first event since announcing his wife's diagnosis of breast cancer - is optimistic about dealing with his weakness immediately. "I feel like I've struck the ball well but have not been able to get it in the hole and shoot a number, a good low number and mostly because of the putter," Mickelson said. "I'll spend some time on that in the next few days and should be able to get it ironed out for next week."

Leader Brian Gay is keeping the prospects of the playing at the US Open out of his mind. Just 18 holes away from finishing off a victory that would earn him a place in the open, Gay is focusing on the job at hand rather than jump the gun. He shot a second consecutive four-under 66 to keep the lead by a stroke over Bryce Molder after the third round at the TPC Southwind. "It's a major. I'd love to play in it. I've got enough work to do here to not have to worry about that. Nothing I need to think about," Gay said.

Elsewhere, Irene Cho made the cut at the US LPGA Championship by one stroke and started the third-round tied for 65th at Bulle Rock on Saturday. * AP