General / Editor / 24 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Phil Mickelson is excited by the prospect of teaming up with legendary coach Butch Harmon as he looks to challenge Tiger Woods this year.

The 36-year-old put up a disappointing defence of his Masters title at Augusta and he has decided to part company with long-time coach Rick Smith to try and take his game to a new level for the remainder of the year.

Harmon is known as one of the best coaches in the sport and has spent time working with Woods and other top players during an illustrious career.

Now 'Lefty' has decided to throw his lot in with the veteran American and is keen to start working with his new coach as soon as possible.

"Butch is one of the very best teachers in the world," Mickelson said on his website. "He's helped two players rise to number one in the game (Greg Norman and Woods) and I'm fortunate that he has agreed to spend time working with me on my game, particularly on my driving.

"We've been friends for years and I'm eager to explore new avenues and implement new ideas with him."

The popular American was quick to pay tribute to his former coach and stressed that their relationship is still as strong as ever.

"Rick Smith is also one of the world's top teachers." he added. "He has worked with some of the best players in the game and his teaching was very instrumental in most of my 30 PGA Tour wins, especially my three major wins in the last three years.

"But the player-teacher dynamic has always been just a fraction of our relationship. We have common business interests, our families are best of friends and we'll continue together in all of those areas, including golf course design."

Next up for Mickeslon is the EDS Byron Nelson Championship and he is trading at 14.5 to win and 3.75 to finish in the top 5, while Vijay Singh trades as the 11 favourite to win and 3.2 to place in the top 5.