Phil Mickelson Arthritis: Just One Reason He Won't Win PGA Championship

Phil Mickelson announced recently that he has been suffering from psoriatic arthritis, an affliction that affects a small percentage of people but can cause chronic pain in the joints when attacked by the immune system.

He says that he has been getting treatment for it and isn't worried too much now that he knows how to combat it.

Mickleson has fought through more than his share of trials and tribulations so this newest setback will probably not break him.

However it is one of the reasons why, even though Vegas odds have him as a favorite, it will be tough for him to win this upcoming PGA Championship.

Here are the other reasons...

No. 10 Media Pressure to Get to Number One

The questions keep coming:

"When will you do it Phil?"

"Are you looking forward to being No. 1, Phil?"

"Is it something that you think about constantly?"

To his credit, Mickelson has said that he is not worried about knocking Tiger from the top ranking, but everyone is waiting for him to do it.

A good showing this week, might finally make everyone move on to another question:

"How does it feel to be ranked No. 1?"

No. 9 Lack Of Preparation

Due to his arthritic condition, Mickelson conceded that he hasn't been able to train as well the last few months and only last week was he able to jump back and resume his regular workouts.

One week might not be enough to win the PGA Championship.

No. 8 Psoriatic Arthritis

Mickelson said he first felt the pain his ankle which made walking difficult, and then in his left index finger and right wrist.

It took a visit to the Mayo Clinic and weekly injections to stop the pain, but even Phil admits that he won't be at 100% for the tournament.

Maybe 90% of Phil is better than 100% of someone else.

We'll have to stay tuned to see.

No. 7 Weight Loss

Because of his arthritic condition and the medication, Mickelson decided to change his diet and become a vegetarian.

As a result of the change, he has lost a lot of weight.

Phil estimates that he is 80-85 percent back to where he wants to be, weight-wise.

No. 6 The Weather at at Whistling Straits

The forecast calls for clouds to turn into rain, thunderstorms and slight winds throughout the weekend, especially on Saturday.

Depending on when you tee off on Friday, could be a strong determining factor on what your weekend will look like.

According to the five day prediction, things should clear up Sunday, but for some golfers that might be too late.

No. 5 Rory McIlroy

According to Vegas odds, if you don't put your money on Tiger or Phil, the next best place to put it is on this young man.

McIlroy was the next best choice odds-wise, at 16/1.

And he has the performances to back it up.

He secured a tie for third at the British Open and a tie for ninth at the World Golf Championships.

You might also want to consider that the 21-year-old has three top 10 finishes at the major championships.

All that could add up to mean that it is his time to shine as the next great young golf phenom.

No. 4 Hunter Mahan

Hunter did Rory eight spots better at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by winning the whole thing by two shots.

So you can say he comes into the PGA Championship very confident.

Here's another reason why Mahan might feel like this could be his year...

No. 4 Hunter Mahan (cont'd)

This is Kandi Harris.

She is a former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

Now, she's Mahan's fiance.

You can't blame the guy if he feels unstoppable right now.

No. 3 Tiger Woods

Everyone is reporting his demise.

And in truth he has looked really bad.

But he wants to qualify for Ryder Cup team and right now he might not even be a Captain's pick, so he has a whole lot to play for.

It's tough to count him out.

No. 2 Other Top Ten Ranked Golfers

You know the names and they have proven time and again that they have what it takes or they wouldn't be ranked in the top 10 in the world.

Would anyone be surprised if Ernie Els, Luke Donald, Steve Stricker or Paul Casey took home the trophy?

No. 1 The Suprise Winner

Nowadays more than ever, being that it is such an international game, we have the possibility of the long shot that no one thought to bet on, coming through for the win.

Guys like Graeme McDowell, a U.S. Open winner.

Or Louis Oosthuizen, the feel good story who crushed every one at the 2010 British Open

Or even Lucas Glover who won the 2009 U.S. Open.

Who knows who will step up?