With Tiger out of the way a well rested Phil Mickelson has arrived in Britain in optimistic mood ahead of The Open.

Mickelson has not played since finishing 18th in the US Open last month but has already played three practice rounds at Birkdale ahead of the year's third major and intends to further hone his game in The Scottish Open at Loch Lomond this weekend.

After losing out to Gregory Havret in a play-off at the venue 12 months ago, the left-hander is determined to go one better this time around.

He also has one eye on his chances of a first Open title, chances which will be greatly increased by the absence of world number one Woods after knee surgery.

"Next week is always on everybody's mind and we are trying to get ready but part of that is performing well here this week," said the world number two, one of three players in the world's top six competing in the £3million event.

"The best way to prepare for next week is to play well and be sharp here."

Mickelson has won twice on the US tour this season and was fifth in the Masters in April, but he knows the next part of the season will be vital in Woods' absence.

"I took the last three weeks off because I knew I was going to be playing for almost the next three months," added the 38-year-old. "It's a very busy spell with this week, next week and then the USPGA Championship and I'll be playing nine out of the next 11 or 12 weeks.

"But I'm looking forward to this next three months because that will determine how the year went."

Mickelson is among the later starters in tomorrow's first round, and will play alongside rising European stars Oliver Wilson and Ross Fisher.

Wilson was beaten in a play-off for the BMW Championship at Wentworth earlier this year - one of seven second places on the European Tour for the former Walker Cup star - while Fisher is on a high after securing his second tour win in brilliant style at the European Open on Sunday.