(AP) -- Get ready for a "birdie-fest" at Augusta National.
Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson said Tuesday soft conditions have left the course vulnerable to a host of fearless, young golfers ready to fire away once play begins.
Mickelson says Augusta's greens don't have the lightning-fast feel that causes players to shape approach shots and make cautious putts. Not yet, anyway.
Mickelson won green jackets in 2004, 2006 and 2010 based on years of trial-and-error, gradually learning how to play the course.
One of his harshest lessons was on the pivotal par-5 15th hole.
Mickelson says he used to feel the hole was one he had to birdie or risk falling behind.
That approach led to several large scores and missed opportunities.
Mickelson says he now accepts par there without regret.
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