PREVIEW-Golf-PGA-Mickelson targets special week at Oakland Hills

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Victory by tournament favourite Phil Mickelson at this week's U.S. PGA Championship would transform the 2008 season into a very special one for the American left-hander.

In the absence of injured world number one Tiger Woods, Mickelson is the leading contender at Oakland Hills Country Club where he is bidding for his third PGA Tour win of the year.

"This is a big week," former champion Mickelson told reporters during preparation for Thursday's opening round of the 90th PGA Championship.

"Right now my season, with just two wins, is I think just okay.

"But if I were able to come through on Sunday and win this event, it would make an okay year a great one."

The world number two experienced similar feelings going into the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol where he triumphed by one shot to claim his second major title.

"I had an okay year in 2005 heading in, with three wins, and looked at it as though it (winning) would make an okay year great," said Mickelson, who has been listed by British bookmakers William Hill as this week's favourite at 10/1.

"I feel the same way this year. Winning the last major could turn it into something special."