Mickelson improves after going back to putting basics with Stockton

ATLANTA (AP) -- Phil Mickelson says he is putting better than he has over the last two years, which he attributes to spending time last week in San Diego with Dave Stockton, the former PGA Champion renowned for his putting tips.

Stockton worked with Annika Sorenstam in the years before she retired. He also spent some time with Michelle Wie in the weeks leading to the Solheim Cup, where the Hawaii teen made more big putts in one week than she had all year.

Stockton was at Torrey Pines last week for an LPGA event, and Mickelson hooked up with him.

"He basically reaffirmed the way I've always liked to putt, and I've gone right back to it," Mickelson said on Friday after a 67 put him only five shots out of the lead at the Tour Championship. "It just feels terrific."

Mickelson said he and Stockton share the same putting principles, in which the hands are pressed forward ahead of the club and the stance is slightly wider.

"I've gone right back to it, and it just seems to feel more natural, much more comfortable," Mickelson said. "I've been rolling the ball great and making a lot of putts."

He did not say how his work with Stockton will affect Dave Pelz, who has been Mickelson's short-game coach. Mickelson made no secret that putting has been holding him back over the last two years, with the occasional good tournament.

"Now I feel like I've got the right track, the right direction that I want," Mickelson said. "And I'll continue to spend more time with him as need be."

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