Local hero Mickelson dreams of breaking US Open duck at Torrey Pines

Mickelson, who grew up in San Diego, gets another crack at winning his most coveted major when play starts at a course on which he grew up playing high school matches. 
He is also a three-time Buick Invitational winner at Torrey Pines and hopes the setting will work in his favour.  

Scroll down for more

Home comforts: Mickelson knows his way round Torrey Pines

"As a kid, we dreamed and hoped that a major championship would come to Southern California and the ideal spot would be Torrey Pines," Mickelson said.

"I can't believe this is the US Open championship here at Torrey Pines.  It's something we've dreamed about. I'm excited to be a participant and hopefully to play well."

Mickelson has played well at US Opens in the past but has thus far failed to finish top of the pile.  

He came closest two years ago at Winged Foot but suffered a collapse on the 18th that left the golf world stunned, Geoff Ogilvy the champion, and Mickelson calling himself "an idiot" after the round.  

But Mickelson is not focused on the past and is rather concentrating on the opportunity in front of him.  

"I want to make sure my energy is up this week. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to compete in the US Open on the course I grew up on in the prime of my career," he said.  

"I want to give myself every opportunity to play my best golf this week.  

"I've come close to winning this championship four times, I've had four second places. This is a tournament I know and believe I can win.  

"I think that this golf course gives me the best opportunity available to do that. Winning this tournament would be something that would help define my career." 

Whether or not Mickelson has his 'A' game this week remains to be seen. But the motivation is definitely there.  

Not only is he back at Torrey Pines for a major but he also finds himself paired with his chief rival, Tiger Woods, for the first two rounds.  

"I think that it's awesome and I wish that we had it more," Mickelson said of the grouping that also included number three Adam Scott.  

"I think it's great that a major championship has us paired together. I like the opportunity to play with the best players in the world."