AUGUSTA, Ga. — Phil Mickelson isn't buying into two strong sentiments floating around Augusta National.

No. 1: He doesn't believe in the jinx of the par-3 contest. Even though no winner of tomorrow's exhibition has gone on to capture the Masters, Mickelson talked boldly yesterday about his desire to win the short tournament and then the long one.

No. 2: He has heard all the talk about Tiger Woods virtually being preordained to win Sunday. Not so fast, the left-hander said.

The world No. 2 is pumped up to beat No. 1 and everyone else this week. Like Woods, Mickelson has been pointing to Augusta National for months.

Mickelson loves everything about the place, especially its traditions. He will partake in one of them tomorrow when he plays in the par-3 tournament. ESPN will air the event live, marking the first time viewers will be able to see it.

They won't see Woods. He hasn't played in the par 3 in years and intends to skip it again. He says the tournament has become "a distraction" for him.

Mickelson thinks just the opposite is the case. He loves the loose atmosphere and the fact that his kids serve as his caddie.

"It's a great way to relieve the stress or pressure you feel going into the tournament," Mickelson said.

Mickelson never has won the par 3, which some might say is a good thing. Ian Poulter said today if he had a chance to win, he would let his 4-year-old take the potential clinching putt.

Mickelson, though, isn't big on jinxes

"I'd love to be the first to win them both, but I just have not ever had a chance to win the par 3," Mickelson said. "My caddie gave me some terrible reads last year. Of course, she was only 5."

Mickelson has had more success here with his regular caddie, Jim "Bones" MacKay, on the bag. Together, they won the Masters in 2004 and 2006. For those keeping score, that's one more green jacket than Woods won during that stretch.

So Mickelson isn't getting caught up in the talk about Woods being the prohibitive favorite this week.

"I don't think it really matters if you're favored or not or what people expect," Mickelson said. "I think how you're perceived heading into the tournament really doesn't matter."

That comment alludes to the perception that Mickelson comes to Augusta without much momentum. He hasn't finished higher than 20th on the Tour since winning the Northern Trust Open in February.

Mickelson, though, feels good about his ball-striking. His short game hasn't been sharp, but he hopes a return to Augusta takes care of that situation.

"I love this golf. I love this tournament," Mickelson said. "I love when you get here how you don't have to be perfect. You have to get up-and-down a lot from on and around the green, and I think those areas are where I feel most comfortable."