PGA TOUR

What: Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Course: TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course (7,152 yards, par 71)

Schedule (TV): Thursday-Sunday (Golf Channel, CBS)

Purse: $6.2 million (winner's share: $1,116,000)

Defending champion: Phil Mickelson

notes

PGA: Mickelson is going ahead with his Phoenix Open title defense after testing his ailing lower back Wednesday at exclusive Whisper Rock. He first felt soreness in his back two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi, and then withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open on Friday after making the cut at Torrey Pines. He flew to Georgia to see back specialist Tom Boers and was told his facet joints locked up. ... Last year's tournament attendance was 525,821. The third round drew a record 179,022. ... Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els and Fred Couples are among those competing at the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic. The top-ranked Woods struggled last week at Torrey Pines in his first start of the year, shooting 72-71-79 to fail to advance to the final round.

LPGA: The Women's Australian Open is Feb. 13-16 in Victoria, Australia.

Champions: The Allianz Championship is Feb. 7-9 in Boca Raton, Fla.

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