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Ryder Cup prep to blame for Phil's missed FWs

ATLANTA – Following a shocking opening round at the Tour Championship that featured just a single hit fairway, Phil Mickelson rebounded for Rounds 2 and 3 at East Lake.

Lefty improved from the tee each round, hitting five fairways on Friday and eight on Day 3, which is even more impressive considering his decision to change drivers this week.

Mickelson said the change was prompted by his scouting trip to Hazeltine National on Monday and the need for added distance off the tee at next week’s Ryder Cup.

“This year I've been using a driver that's an inch and a half shorter, and when I went to Hazeltine and saw how long of a golf course it was, I went to a longer driver again,” he said on Friday.