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The second leg of the PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing kicks off Thursday, with La Jolla’s Torrey Pines Golf Course once again hosting the Buick Invitational. The tournament will mark the season debuts of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who are ranked first and second in the world, respectively.

Unfortunately, it was not all about anticipation Wednesday at Torrey Pines. Tour caddie Steve Duplantis, who was set to be on Eric Axley’s bag this week, was killed early this morning in Del Mar when he walked into the path off an oncoming taxi cab. Known for successfully teaming with players like Jim Furyk and Rich Beem, Duplantis also was known as a free spirit who relished having a good time when he wasn’t inside the ropes. He was 35.

“The PGA Tour is saddened by the loss of one of its family members. We send our thoughts and condolences to Steve’s friends and family,” tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

Woods and Mickelson met the media today in preparation for Thursday’s first round. Mickelson’s status for the Buick was uncertain as late as yesterday because of a respiratory problem, but he showed almost no ill effects and will be competing. Here’s a recap of what each had to say.

--Despite taking his longest non-injury-induced break from tour competition, Woods looked fresher than ever when he strode into the media tent, adding he is “certainly stronger” than he was at the end of his 2007 campaign.

As usual, he answered a diverse array of questions, which included inquiries on the Kelly Tilghman “lynch” remark and the subsequent noose cover from Golfweek.

“I talked to Kelly,” explained Woods. “She felt extremely bad about what happened. She’s been a great friend over the years, and everyone makes mistakes, and she certainly regrets what she said and what happened.”

As for Golfweek, Woods said, “Obviously, the cover itself just perpetuated it. Unfortunately, Golfweek did what they did, and from there it created more of a firestorm.”

--In addition to his victory at the Target World Challenge in December and the dedication of a new statue at his Learning Center in Anaheim last Monday, the other significant Tiger-related news item that transpired during the break was his declaration that winning all four majors in 2008 was “easily within reason.”

On the eve of teeing it up competitively for the first time in 2008, Woods did not back off that statement.

“For most of my career I’ve won more than four tournaments per year, and all I have to do is win the right four,” he said. “I think if you put it all together, have luck on your side, all the stars will line up, and it certainly is possible.”

Woods is confident, but that kind of confidence is certainly not abnormal for a man who has already rewritten the record books. When asked if he has ever felt as confident in his game as he feels right now, the Cypress native simply answered, “Yeah. A few times.”

--Like Woods, Mickelson was happy to be back in a competitive mood – and, despite a bit of a scratchy voice, he was happy to be healthier than he was at the start of this week.

“I feel a lot better,” said the San Diego resident. “I had some blood work and some lung X-rays, and I think that it’s just a case of bronchitis, and I should be fine here shortly.

“It’s lingered the entire off-season,” he added. “I’m just surprised I haven’t been able to get rid of it.”

--One factor Woods and Mickelson agreed upon is the condition of Torrey Pines. After spotty turf at last year’s Buick Invitational, such inconsistencies have not been seen for the ’08 edition.

“The South Course is in as good a shape as it’s ever been since the redesign,” Mickelson said. “The greens are rolling terrific and they look terrific. They’re healthy, they’re holding shots, and more than that there’s just a lot of grass on them, a lot more so than in the past.”

Woods concurred, adding this year and 2002, the first year after the Rees Jones redesign, is the best he’s ever seen the facility.

--There is a tremendous amount of excitement around Torrey Pines, but mother nature could deflate that excitement pretty quickly. It is supposed to rain on and off Thursday and Friday, while there is a 70% chance of rain for Saturday. The turf may be improved, but the key for the week could be how well the course drains.

--Southlandgolfmagazine.com is your source for all things at the Buick Invitational. Check back each day for updates, recaps, and interviews with leaders and the top tour pros from around Southern California.