PINEHURST, N.C. -- Phil Mickelson spent five hours in the stifling heat Tuesday at Pinehurst No. 2 with a lot on his mind. He was trying to sharpen his game, figure out what it will take to finally win a U.S. Open and make enough putts with his claw grip to avoid losing to a pair of players whose combined age is younger than him. This major has a reputation as the toughest test in golf. Its every bit of that for Mickelson. "I really believe that this week is testing a players entire game," Mickelson said. "Because it forces you to make good decisions, to choose the right club off the tee, hit solid iron shots into the green and utilize your short game to save strokes. Its just a wonderful test ... the best test Ive seen to identify the best player." His definition of Pinehurst and its rugged, natural look would seem to require every ounce of concentration. And that could be his biggest challenge. On the golf course, Mickelson is trying to ignore the enormous expectations on him this week. He holds the worst kind of U.S. Open record with six runner-up finishes. He needs this major to complete the career Grand Slam. And hes a sentimental favourite at Pinehurst No. 2, where in 1999 he played the entire week knowing his wife was on the verge of delivering their first child. Payne Stewart made a 15-foot par putt on the final hole to beat him by one shot. Amanda Mickelson was born the next day. Stewart died in a plane crash four months later. "Payne and I had this moment where we talked about fatherhood, but he also talked about winning future U.S. Opens," Mickelson said. "Although I havent won one yet, Im still fighting hard, and this would be a great place to break through and do it. The flip side is that I tend to do well when its least expected. "I dont want to put the pressure on that this is the only week that Ill have a chance," he said. "I think Ill have a number of great opportunities in the future years. But this is certainly as good a chance as Ill have." Off the course, Mickelson has made headlines that threaten his clean image. He was linked two weeks ago to an insider trading investigation involving activist investor Carl Icahn and Las Vegas gambler Billy Walters over some timely trades of Clorox stock three years ago. FBI agents even came to the golf course to try to interview Mickelson. He referred them to his attorney, said he had done "absolutely nothing wrong" and that "Im not going to walk around any other way." It would seem to be a major distraction for Mickelson. Even though he hasnt won in nearly a year, and he has dropped to No. 11 in the world ranking, he is the centre of attention in the sand hills of North Carolina -- especially with Tiger Woods still out of the game while recovering from back surgery. Then again, it could be to Mickelsons advantage to be at a place such as Pinehurst. The course doesnt allow anyone to think about anything but the next shot. "We have so many players when they have a lot of stuff swirling around them that use that four or five hours on the golf course as a sanctuary," two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North said. "You can focus sometimes even better, which sound crazy, but its your place where no one can get to you. The phone cant ring. No one can ask you questions about whatever it is. And you get out there and find your little space. And sometimes that creates a situation where a guy can play exceptionally well." The investigation has not been a big topic since Mickelson said repeatedly at the Memorial that he had done nothing wrong, was co-operating and would not talk about it until it was resolved. There were no direct questions at his news conference Tuesday, only veiled references to coping with off-course distractions. Barclays, one of his biggest sponsors, declined to comment on Mickelson. KPMG, another major sponsor, said in a statement, "We have had a very strong relationship with Phil for a number of years, and we fully expect it to continue. We have great respect for him." While Mickelsons U.S. Open record is loaded with disappointment, he sees only opportunity. To have been the runner-up six times -- not to mention other U.S. Opens where he had a chance to win in the final hour -- means he must be doing something right. And he hasnt lost his sense of humour. "I feel as good about my game as I have all year," Mickelson said, pausing before he added, "Thats not staying a lot because I havent played well all year." He also said an analysis of his close calls in the U.S. Open revealed that it rained during the week in five of those second-place finishes. "So Im pulling for rain," he said. As for that other match? Mickelson carried the load as he and Rickie Fowler rallied from 3 down to tie the match, only for 20-year-old Jordan Spieth to make a 20-foot birdie on the 17th, and 21-year-old Justin Thomas to drill a tee shot on the 18th hole to set up a par for the win. Another close call. Its a U.S. Open. Mickelson should be used to that by now. USA Soccer Jerseys 2020 .Y. -- The New York Islanders were seeking a positive finish to a frustrating season on home ice. Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseys . Nowitzki scored 28 points, Harris had a season-high 14 for the second straight game and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Detroit Pistons 116-106 Sunday night. https://www.cheapusasoccer.com/. -- So much for concern that running back Marshawn Lynch would be absent from the Seattle Seahawks minicamp. Custom USA Soccer Jerseys . - Loosening up for their first training camp practice, the Miami Dolphins high-stepped sideways up and down the field while House of Pains song "Jump Around" blared on the loudspeakers. USA Soccer Jerseys China .com Tours Nova Scotia Open. The 27-year-old Sloan, a former Texas-El Paso player from Calgary matched first-round leader Rodriguez at 10-under 132 on Ashburn Golf Clubs New Course.MIAMI - Brandon Knight looked right at home.Makes sense, considering he was born in Miami.Knight made three 3-pointers in the final 3 minutes to cap his 20-point effort, and the Milwaukee Bucks downed the slumping Heat 91-84 on Sunday night.We want to continue to build off it, Knight said.Jabari Parker added 13 points for the Bucks (5-5), who started 5-21 last season. Larry Sanders, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zaza Pachulia each scored 11.Milwaukee beat Miami for the first time in the teams last 10 meetings, including playoffs.Mario Chalmers scored 18 for Miami (5-5), which was again without Dwyane Wade and lost its third straight. Shawne Williams had 13 points for the Heat, who got 11 from Norris Cole and 10 apiece from Luol Deng, Chris Bosh and Shabazz Napier.We have to figure it out, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.Bosh shot 2 for 17 from the field, dropping him to 12 for 49 in his last three games. In games where hes taken at least 10 shots, Bosh has shot worse only once — a 1-for-18 night at Chicago in 2011.To say sit back and the game will come to you, I dont think thats a wise decision on my part, Bosh said. Yeah, Im going to press. Im going to press until I get over the hump.The Heat struggled again from the foul line, shooting 13 for 22 and are now 21 for 40 from the stripe in their last two home games.Miami led by 12 in the first half and went up 49-41 early in the third on a 3-pointer by Chalmers, who started because Wade missed his second straight game with a bad hamstring.Milwaukee outscored Miami 35-16 over the next 14 minutes, holding the Heat to 5-for-20 shooting — including 1-for-12 to open that stretch. Pachulias jumpper made it 76-65 with 8:40 left.ddddddddddddhe Heat closed to 78-74 on Williams third 3-pointer of the night with 3:41 left. But Miami couldnt get a stop on the ensuing trip and after Bosh blocked Antetokounmpos shot near the rim, Milwaukee controlled the rebound and got the ball to Knight.Knight made a 3, the lead was back to seven and he punched the air.You cant get complacent, Parker said. Were doing some good things early in the season, but that doesnt put us in the playoffs.TIP-INSBucks: Coach Jason Kidd is now 5-0 against Miami in regular-season games. His Brooklyn team swept four meetings with the Heat last season, and then lost a playoff series to Miami in five games. ... Antetokounmpo made his first start of the season. He started 23 of his 77 appearances with Milwaukee a year ago.Heat: Wade will accompany the team on its trip to Brooklyn and is day to day. Wade has been doing corrective exercises, something that recently hired Heat assistant athletic trainer Wes Brown emphasized when he worked with players at the University of Miami. ... Mondays game at Brooklyn completes Miamis fourth back-to-back in a span of just over two weeks.KIDS NIGHTWith Wade out and Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and Josh McRoberts also sidelined, the Heat got a first-half boost from their rookies. James Ennis and Napier combined to make 7 of 8 shots and score 17 points in the first 24 minutes.SHOWING DEPTHThe Bucks used 12 players. Milwaukees bench has outscored opposing reserves in every game, including 36-22 on Sunday. We believe were a deep team, Kidd said.UP NEXTBucks: Host New York on Tuesday.Heat: Visit Brooklyn on Monday. ' ' '