PHIl DoUBTS

Phil Mickelson’s title defence at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open remains in doubt following the Open champion’s withdrawal from the Farmers Insurance Open because of a back injury.

Mickelson made the halfway cut at Torrey Pines but was then forced to pull out of the event before the start of Saturday’s third round.

The 43-year-old, who finished joint second in Abu Dhabi on the European Tour the previous week, then flew to Georgia for a consultation with back specialist Tom Boers.

Mickelson, who opted out of yesterday’s pretournament pro-am, added: “If it was any other tournament I’d skip it, but I’m defending, it’s my second home town and I love the event. I’ll have a light practice session and if it goes well I may try to play.

“I’m itching to play, but I have to look at the big picture. I have a number of tournaments I want to play and play well this year, including the majors, so I have to be realistic about how I feel in the short term.”

Mickelson won by four shots last year, leading from start to finish after a stunning opening round of 60 that could so easily have been a magical 59, with the left-hander’s birdie putt on the last hole lipping out.

If Mickelson is unable to play, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood will be among those hoping to take advantage of the five-time major winner’s absence at TPC Scottsdale, with Westwood making his debut in the event.