PHIL Mickelson faces his moment of truth over the next four days at Whistling Straits. This time, surely, after five long years of chasing Tiger Woods' tail he can finally get the job done and become world No.1. It should, as they say in the USA, be a slam dunk. Lefty doesn't even have to win his second USPGA title to end that record 270-week wait to overtake his rival whose game ha s been obliterated by sex scandal, shame and an ongoing £550million divorce. Even finishing fourth, providing Woods fares no better than 47 - and after his worst-ever performance last week there is no guarantee he'll even make the cut - would see Mickelson take that one, final step to the very top. Except that he doesn't appear to be enjoying the chase very much at all. Woods was woeful at Firestone, true. But Mickelson, who could have overtaken him there, as he has had the chance to do repeatedly this season, was no better than average and his last-day 78 was actually one worse than Tiger's. The strain of it all, not helped by joint stiffness known as psoriatic arthritis, appears to have got to him. While Woods is the one living in a constant state of disgrace, things could start to get embarrassing for the burly Californian if he doesn't produce this time. Yet Mickelson, far less Woods, are not the only ones suffering from the stress that success can bring - in fact that are beginning to look like they are part of the majority of stars struggling to cope with the peculiar stress golf produces. Sergio Garcia - remember him - will take two months off once the last Major of the year concludes near Milwaukee. He says he needs to miss the game. He's actually been missing within the game for two years. Lee Westwood was himself a contender to leapfrog Mickelson and Woods and in trying to do so the world No.3 has turned himself into a serious Ryder Cup doubt by trying to play through a calf strain that has forced at least four weeks' rest. Young Rory McIlroy has blown as cold as he has done hot in recent months, depression and delight apparently constant companions. Then there is the case of Padraig Harrington. For if anyone has let the game get to him it is him. Two years ago this week he teed it up at Oakland Hills on his way to winning his third Major after back-to-back Open triumphs. Harrington became the first European in 78 years to lift the famously heavy Wannamaker Trophy and it seemed anything and everything was possible for him but the load became just too much. In 2008 he was fourth in the world. He is now 16th and speaks with author it y about how the stresses of the game can turn golf ugly almost in the blink of an eye. He said: "We've seen this so many times. There's a hundred guys out there who are currently competing who have had highs and lows in their careers. Read more: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...ds-for-golf-s-number-one-slot-86908-22482193/
