While the golf world focused on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in another glitzy desert oasis far away in Abu Dhabi, Phil Mickelson had about as low profile of a day as possible on the eve of his season opener.
Fighting flu-like symptoms for more than a week, the 42-year-old Mickelson traveled to the Coachella Valley early Wednesday from his home in Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego. He registered for the Humana Challenge, but didn't play or practice at La Quinta Country Club - the site of his first round Thursday - or PGA West's two tournament courses.
The left-hander is making his first start since tying for second in November in the HSBC Champions in China, the only event he played after the Ryder Cup. He won the pro-am tournament long known as the Bob Hope Classic in 2002 and 2004.
