Phil Mickelson has something special planned for Augusta National this year.
A special club, that is.
Mickelson shot a 71 on Friday at the Houston Open, his final tuneup before the Masters in two weeks.
He shot a 72 on Thursday with a driver in his bag, then took it out and added a 3-wood ''that's more like a driver'' for his second round. The new 3-wood produces a lower ball flight and more run in the fairway.
So what's the plan for Augusta?
''We have a special club we're making that I'll be hitting on Monday,'' he said. ''So, we'll see.''
Mickelson, the 2011 champion, rallied with three straight birdies on the back nine Friday, fueling optimism for the weekend. Two years ago, he was five shots back after two rounds, then shot 63-65 on the weekend to win by three.
''I have a chance now when I show up,'' he said. ''I'm not searching, I'm not trying to find it. I know what it is I'm trying to do and the feelings I'm trying to create to hit certain shots. I have a chance to shoot a low round.''
