Health concern for Lefty

Phil Mickelson could be forced to miss the Buick Invitational starting on Thursday after suffering a recurrence of a respiratory problem.

Mickelson doubtful for Buick

Phil Mickelson could be forced to miss the Buick Invitational starting on Thursday after suffering a recurrence of a respiratory problem. Lefty still hopes to play in Wednesday's pro-am but has been confined to his bed over the last two days, with concerns over his long-term well-being. The Mickelsons were forced to evacuate their California residence in October due to the raging wildfires, and the 37-year-old has reportedly been suffering from breathing problems ever since. "Mickelson has been plagued by heavy congestion, shortness of breath and fatigue since October," it was reported on the player's website. "It's unclear whether the condition was caused by working in the smoky debris on his property following the wildfires that devastated Mickelson's neighborhood, or by the illness he developed immediately after that in Singapore. "He managed to win the HSBC Champions the following week in Shanghai but has not felt 100 percent since then." This week's event has been billed as a head-to-head between Mickelson and Tiger Woods, with both players making their first appearances of the season at Torrey Pines. Both have won the tournament on several occasions and will be keen to take another lookat the layout prior to the US Open, which returns to the course later in the year.