Westwood and McIlroy are skipping Sawgrass

Westwood and McIlroy are skipping Sawgrass

The two European stars, world number one Westwood and number six McIlroy, are both skipping Sawgrass this week in a blow to golf's richest event.Their absence has led some to question whether the tournament is being Golf Difficulties Send Romo To Regular Job devalued as European events start to build in stature, but Mickelson has defended its importance.Asked if the £5.8million tournament still had the same prestige in his eyes the 2007 winner replied: "Certainly in my mind it does.This week's event will have even more importance given as, with Westwood's absence, the world number one spot is once again up for grabs.Mickelson has another chance to become world number one for the first time in his career, but he continues to play down the significance of the top spot."It's certainly what R9 Fairway Wood everybody strives for, but it's not really something that's on the forefront of anybody's minds," he added. Luke Donald could also take the number one position by winning and German Martin Kaymer could regain that hour with a top two finish.Mickelson was also quizzed on whether he felt that time was running out on him ever becoming world number one with so many young players now fighting for the title."I don't feel that way," he replied. "And I don't feel that way because I see some things in my game that are starting to get better and better."I really know what it is I'm trying to do on the greens now, my short game has been sharp, my driving has been much better. I feel like I'm driving the ball straighter than I ever have and I'm excited to put that into play."My mindset changes after Augusta. It's not distance any more, it's 'got to get the ball in the fairway'. I see my game getting better, I welcome the challenge and I think that there's a lot of opportunity for me to still have a lot of success here."