Memphis field has U.S. Open mindset

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- There will be roughly two dozen golfers who begin play Thursday at the FedEx St. Jude Classic with their minds, and games, perhaps on a 7,585-yard layout two time zones away and not the 7,239 yards they'll confront.

Although the FESJC kicks off its four-day run at TPC Southwind, 25 golfers -- including former Memphis champion Dustin Johnson, FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel, fan favorite Phil Mickelson and 2012 U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson -- will be one week from teeing off at the U.S. Open in the Seattle area.

There is no comparison between Southwind and Chambers Bay, a Scottish-inspired links course on the site of an old gravel quarry and offering spectacular views of Puget Sound. But those participating in both events expect Southwind, with its own challenges and par of 70, to provide proper preparation.

"I think this golf course is a tough golf course; the winning score has always been between 8 to 12 under (par)," Horschel said. "Par is a very good score around here. And the value of par goes a long way, so it gets you understanding the grind of getting ready for a U.S. Open."

In his last two FESJC appearances, Horschel -- who made his PGA Tour debut here in 2009 -- has had top-10 finishes, including a tie for sixth last year.

"I feel like the last couple of years when I've played here (before the Open), it's been a big help getting used to that kind of mindset," he said. "I'm looking forward to a great week and then, hopefully, going to the U.S. Open and continuing the momentum."

Horschel, 28, enters the FESJC on a respectable run. Ranked 20th in the world, Horschel has finished in the top 20 at three straight events, including a tie for 11th at the Memorial last weekend.

"My game is in pretty good shape," Horschel said. "I started playing well about six weeks ago and took three weeks off after The Players (Championship in early May).

"I just missed out on a top 10 (at the Memorial), but I love where my game is at. I've some confidence."

Horschel's confidence will encounter challenges from defending champion Ben Crane, Mickelson (runner-up in 2013 and 11th last year), Simpson (who finished third a year ago) and Johnson (back-to-back top 25 finishes after winning in 2012).

Mickelson, as he has in four previous trips to Southwind, will use the FESJC as a "live" warm-up for the U.S. Open.

"What makes it a good preparation for me is the competition," Mickelson said. "I'm going to be out trying to focus on each shot, trying to control my misses and hit good shots and make birdies and try to get in contention. That kind of mental preparation can only occur in competition."

Mickelson is looking forward to Chambers Bay, a course he has played and likes, but deems underrated.

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, is playing Southwind for the third time in four years and, like Mickelson, wants to use the experience as mental preparation.

"I think going into a major championship, preparing and playing the golf course -- and having your game plan together -- is the key, but being competitively sharp, feeling confident (knowing) you are playing well is just as important.

"I would love to be on the leaderboard here this weekend. ... I'm really looking at it as a two-week journey trying to play as well as I can this week and then go (to Chambers Bay) and dissect the course and try and win another U.S. Open trophy."

Mickelson, 44, remains a U.S. Open title shy of a career Grand Slam and hopes Southwind puts him in position for his first.

"I really like the golf course and how straightforward a test it is," Mickelson said. "I think it's one of the most underrated courses or the most underrated course we have on tour.

"After playing well and coming close at (the Masters), playing well at Charlotte, I felt I was about to turn the corner," Mickelson said. "I didn't play well (last weekend at the Memorial) obviously, but I feel it's not far away."

This article was written by Phil Stukenborg from Commercial Appeal and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.