PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- For the first time since August, Phil Mickelson is in contention.
But that is not the only reason why Monday is a big day for him.
The Hall of Fame golfer will complete the Honda Classic in the morning, in pursuit of his 43rd career PGA Tour victory.
Then he is headed to nearby Seminole Golf Club, one of Florida's most famous courses and designed by Donald Ross, for the prestigious pro-member event that last year attracted all four reigning major championship winners.
Mickelson is playing with Seminole member Jimmy Dunne, a New York investment banker and avid golfer who is also a member at Augusta National. Due to the Honda Classic weather issues, some tee times had to be juggled in order to accommodate several players in the field.
Seminole is where Ben Hogan typically prepared for the Masters during the winter months. Ross designed the course in 1929.
If that's not enough, Mickelson is headed to Augusta National on Monday night to get in some Masters prep along with Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka. It is unclear if they are staying through Wednesday, but are due to return to South Florida in time for the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
As for Honda ...
Mickelson is 4 under par with an 8-footer for par looming at PGA National's ninth hole. He is 3 strokes behind leaders Paul Casey and Ian Poulter.
"It's fun to feel the pressure and to be in it,'' Mickelson said. "It was a fun day. The best position is leading obviously, but there's a lot of golf left in nine holes. Hopefully get rested and have a little stretch. We need to get one hot streak of three, four birdies on that back nine.''
