Sportal Phil Mickelson has been working hard throughout the off-season, making minor corrections to his game in a bid to become even better. The left-hander has adopted a new fitness regime and made slight changes to his swing to alleviate a minor slice he has off the tee. “I needed a slightly different golf swing and a different equipment make-up in the head,” Mickelson told the BBC. “I&aposve also done a lot in the gym. I think it will pay off and I&aposm excited.” Part of the motivation behind Mickelson&aposs extra training was his capitulation in the final few holes in last year&aposs US Open at Winged Foot. A misdirected drive which resulted in a double bogey at 18 handed the tournament to Australian Geoff Ogilvy. “Dealing with failure is part of the game – I deal with it 90 per cent of the time,” he said. “And I am really looking forward to 2007 because I&aposve addressed a problem in my game and I think I&aposve created a solution. “I&aposve adjusted my swing and equipment, and I lost 20 to 25 pounds in the gym and put 10 to 15 back on in muscle. I&aposm hoping this will improve stamina so that in the latter part of the year I have a better performance.” Mickelson will start his 2007 campaign this week at the Bob Hope Classic in Palm Springs, California. It will be his first official hit since being part of America&aposs ill-fated Ryder Cup team last September. “I&aposm looking forward to seeing how the first three or four tournaments go, and seeing if the changes I&aposve made in the off-season have made a significant, positive result,” Mickelson said.