Improved putting gives Mickelson reason to smile

London: Phil Mickelson had a smile on his face after firing a four-under-par 66 at the Tour Championship, saying his putting was better than it had been in two years.

Although the American left-hander has won twice on the 2009 PGA Tour, he believes his results have suffered because of inconsistent form on the greens. "This feels great," Mickelson told reporters after surging into a tie for third at four-under 206 in the third round at East Lake Golf Club. "I haven`t been in contention since the (U.S.) Open," he added, referring to his runner-up finish at Bethpage Black in June. "It`s been a few months, mainly because of my putting.” "I look back on Thursday where I threw six shots away from three holes, otherwise I`d be leading." In the opening round, Mickelson carded a 73 which featured an ugly quadruple-bogey eight at the 14th.Tricky Greens "To come back the way I have and play the way I have, I feel like I`m playing some really good golf," the world number three said after needing only 27 putts on tricky greens on Saturday. "No matter how many shots back I am I think I`ll still be a factor (tomorrow)." Mickelson, a triple major winner known for his magical short game, paid tribute to former US PGA champion Dave Stockton for helping his putting in San Diego last week. "I spent a couple of days with him and he basically reaffirmed the way I`ve always liked to putt," said the American, who is now using a slightly wider stance with the hands pressed forward ahead of the ball."I`ve gone right back to the way I putted as a kid and it just feels terrific.” "I`ve been waiting for two years to get this kind of direction. Although I`ve won some tournaments and I`ve had some good putting weeks, I haven`t putted well throughout the year. But I have direction now and I know what I`m trying to do." Mickelson will go into Sunday`s final round four shots behind pacesetting American Kenny Perry. Bureau Report