Mickelson changes routine to end inconsistent year

SINGAPORE, Aug 15 (Reuters) World number three Phil Mickelson will look to put an inconsistent year behind him when he makes his Asian Tour debut at the Singapore Open in November.

The left-hander has failed to contend seriously in any of the four major championships, a nagging wrist injury hampering his U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship bids.

''It's been an up and down year for me, really,'' the American said in a statement. ''Two wins by May then essentially losing three months in the middle of the season due to a wrist injury.

''That's another reason I'm looking forward to playing later than usual this year, to try to salvage something more from it.

''I've also made some swing changes this year and another week of competition will really let me know where I stand heading into my preparations for the 2008 season.'' Mickelson, who has revamped his swing this year with new coach Butch Harmon, said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing the Serapong championship course at Sentosa Golf Club.

''I'm really excited about playing the Barclay's Singapore Open. I haven't been to Asia in many years and never to Singapore so this is a great opportunity for me and my family,'' the 37-year-old said.

''Over the years various players have told me great things about Singapore and the Sentosa Golf Club. Its setting near the harbour and layout, winding through a jungle, sound like nothing I've seen before and I'm eager to experience it all.'' Mickelson will join 2005 and 2006 champion Adam Scott of Australia, world number four Ernie Els of South Africa and U.S.

Open champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina and Fiji's Vijay Singh in a strong field at the November 1-4 event.

Mickelson won the AT&T Pebble Beach National in February for the third time in nine years and the Players Championship three months later but failed to add to his three major titles, the 2004 and 2006 U.S. Masters and 2005 PGA Championship.

He finished tied 24th in the Masters, missed the cut at the U.S. and British Opens and was tied 32nd at last week's PGA Championship.

The week after the Singapore Open Mickelson is scheduled to play in the Champions Tournament in Shanghai.

REUTERS PDS HT1000