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Loch Lomond - Phil Mickelson refused to blame the hype surrounding his bid to oust Tiger Woods at the top of the world rankings for his poor show at the Scottish Open here on Friday.
The 40-year-old American would have climbed above the world number one with a top-two finish at Loch Lomond this weekend.
But a second round of 74 saw him finish with a two day total of three-over and in danger of missing the cut - with two-over being predicted as the cut-off point.
His battle with Woods has been an exciting sideshow that has often overshadowed the build-up to the actual event.
After shooting a second round 74 to finish three over and 13 shots behind leader Darren Clarke, Mickelson was asked if his focus had been swayed.
"Maybe, I don't know but I haven't really thought about it," said the four-time Major winner.
"I'm trying to get ready for the British Open and get ready for St Andrews. I need to get my game sharpened up and the first two days gave me the opportunity to see where it needs some work over the next few days."
Mickelson's best British Open performance was when he finished third at Royal Troon in 2004 - just a week after missing the cut in a tour event.
"That's right about the week before Troon," he said. "I've played well weeks after missing the cut and I've played poorly. It's just what it is.
"I always look at the positives. I started to putt a little bit better and rolled the ball pretty good. I need a little work on the driver.
"That was the club that wasn't the best. My short irons can be improved as well - my distance control wasn't as good as I liked."
The 40-year-old American would have climbed above the world number one with a top-two finish at Loch Lomond this weekend.
But a second round of 74 saw him finish with a two day total of three-over and in danger of missing the cut - with two-over being predicted as the cut-off point.
His battle with Woods has been an exciting sideshow that has often overshadowed the build-up to the actual event.
After shooting a second round 74 to finish three over and 13 shots behind leader Darren Clarke, Mickelson was asked if his focus had been swayed.
"Maybe, I don't know but I haven't really thought about it," said the four-time Major winner.
"I'm trying to get ready for the British Open and get ready for St Andrews. I need to get my game sharpened up and the first two days gave me the opportunity to see where it needs some work over the next few days."
Mickelson's best British Open performance was when he finished third at Royal Troon in 2004 - just a week after missing the cut in a tour event.
"That's right about the week before Troon," he said. "I've played well weeks after missing the cut and I've played poorly. It's just what it is.
"I always look at the positives. I started to putt a little bit better and rolled the ball pretty good. I need a little work on the driver.
"That was the club that wasn't the best. My short irons can be improved as well - my distance control wasn't as good as I liked."
