Mickelson 'hopeful' to compete in CareerBuilder Challenge

Phil Mickelson is in his first year at the ambassador — basically, the host — of the CareerBuilder Challenge, scheduled to start on Thursday. However, a pair of off-season sports hernia surgeries have his place in the field in doubt.

At the Friday deadline to commit to the event, Mickelson’s name remained on the field list, suggesting the five-time major winner isn’t ready to abandon plans to play.

Then on Saturday, a Mickelson spokesman told Golf Channel that the left-hander is “hopeful” to compete in the event in the California desert.

Mickelson last played on the PGA Tour in October at the season-opening Safeway Open in Napa, Calif. Then he underwent the first of his two sports hernia surgeries, followed by another in December.

If Mickelson is unable to play at the CareerBuilder, he’s committed to play in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, just outside of San Diego, the following week.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.