Mickelson honoured

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SINGAPORE -- Four-time major champion Phil Mickelson was elected Thursday to the World Golf Hall of Fame, saying his enshrinement won't slow down his quest to reach 50 career victories.

Mickelson, who became eligible for the honour after turning 40 last year, received 72 per cent of votes cast, the Hall of Fame said.

"Being called a hall of fame golfer, it does make me sound a little bit old," Mickelson said in Singapore, where he is competing in the Singapore Open. "But I don't feel old. I feel like I've got a lot of great golf ahead of me."

Mickelson has won 39 tournaments since turning professional in 1992, including three Masters titles and a PGA Championship. He has been ranked No. 2 in the world several times, though he has slipped to No. 11 after winning only one tournament so far this year.

Mickelson said his biggest goals for the rest of his career are to win at least 11 more tournaments, which would give him 50 victories, and win a U.S. Open and British Open.

Born in San Diego, Mickelson was a four-time All-American golfer at Arizona State University.

"He is clearly one of the most exciting players ever to play the game," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said. "He's exactly what you like to see in a player. If everybody conducted themselves like Phil week in and week out, we'd be stronger yet."

To be elected to the Hall of Fame, golfers must receive at least 65 per cent of votes cast by journalists, historians and golf dignitaries. After Mickelson, Fred Couples received the second most votes with 38 per cent while Davis Love III and Mark O'Meara each received 29 per cent.

Mickelson will be inducted on May 7 at the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum in St. Augustine, Florida.