This year, golfer Phil Michelson has had an odd time as he prepares for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Generally he is one of those few two or three familiar faces at this championship, but this year Phil is out on Incognito Drive as former world number one Tiger Woods’ come back takes up the entire spotlight.

No pre-event interview sessions, and a low-profile on the course – this is surely not the way to treat a player who likes this event, someone who takes part every year, someone who won this event three times, someone who won more money at the AT&T compared to anyone in the history.

In fact, Phil made his professional debut in 1992 at the Pebble Beach at the US Open. Therefore it is a kind of anniversary for him – two decades since Phil began to a name for himself on these courses and talking about round numbers, Phil is one shy from his fortieth professional triumph.

So where exactly is Mickelson and where is his game. Well, the question does not seem too good. Whenever Phil tees it up, he must be fancied for a chance. Well, maybe something better than a chance.

At present, he may be 41, but Phil Mickelson is not ready for the honorary tee at Augusta yet. Last year, Phil ended 9th at the AT&T.

Mickelson had a stormy beginning in 2012 season. In the Humana Challenge, his opening championship, he ended tied for 49th. He missed the cut in the Farmers Insurance Open, his hometown event at Torrey Pines. Last week, he was slightly better in the Waste Management Open where he finished tied for 26th.

While speaking to a magazine, Phil told that he just need to have a better focus and that was his only explanation – he was happy with his golf clubs and his swing.

Fans are expecting that Mickelson will find his true spot in the Pebble limelight. Well no matter what path he travels, one simply cannot forget him.