Two-time HSBC winner is shooting for his third title

The 2013 Open Champion Phil Mickelson is looking ahead to this year's WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai with great anticipation.

The only player who has won the WGC-HSBC Champions title twice, Mickelson is looking for a third victory at the city's Sheshan course, rounding out what has already been an exceptional year for the veteran American golfer.

Mickelson clinched his first British Open crown at Muirfield in July with a sterling final round of five-under-par 66, one week after his victory at the Scottish Open.

"It's always great to return to a course where you've won before," he said.

"I know the Sheshan course pretty well now. It's a great championship course that's always in perfect condition, and I really enjoy playing in front of the Chinese fans."

Mickelson is also supportive of WGC-HSBC joining up with the PGA Tour.

"HSBC puts on a really great event, and it is the final World Golf Championship of the year, so it deserves to be recognized for the event it is in terms of FedEx points and exemptions," he said, adding that "it's the only WGC event played outside the US, the biggest event in Asia and an important part of the players' schedules."

As a veteran of the WGC-HSBC Champions Asia tournament, Mickelson is familiar with the development of the sport in China.

Although the game is relatively new to China, he said that he sees great potential.

"China is clearly on the right path already," he said, adding that Feng Shanshan was the first Chinese player to win a Major with her victory at the 2012 Wegmans LPGA Championship.

Additionally, 14-year-old Guan Tianlang performed remarkably at the Masters this year, Mickelson said.

"Guan and Feng will be great role models for young Chinese golfers," he said.

"Tournaments in China, especially the WGC-HSBC Champions, give aspiring young players a great opportunity to watch and learn from the world's best."

Mickelson said he has no imminent retirement plans.

"I am healthy and playing some great golf, so retiring definitely isn't a consideration right now," he said.

"I may look at reducing my schedule slightly next year, but that's partly so that I can spend a little more time with my family. My kids are growing up so quickly. I am as hungry as ever to compete and win."

Unlike most other major sports, age is really no obstacle to great play, Mickelson said.

"Three years ago Tom Watson very nearly won the Open Championship at age 59. We have an exciting group of young golfers coming through but we also have a lot of forty-somethings in their prime right now. Ernie Els, Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk all contended in majors this year and played in the Presidents Cup," he said.

"I have a great job and genuinely love playing golf and playing in front of golf fans all around the world - especially in China. There are so many ups and downs in a round or a week that you must maintain your composure to succeed. Golf is a job I love but there are more important things, such as my family, that help keep golf in perspective for me."

matthew.fulco@chinadaily.com.cn