Phil Mickelson back in Charlotte

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Mickelson faded dramatically during the final round of last year's tournament to finish third at the Quail Hollow Club.

The 43-year-old held a one-stroke lead with three holes remaining but bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes to miss out on the play-off, which was won by American Derek Ernst, who is looking to become the first multiple winner in the event's 11-year history.

Mickelson is back, however, and keen to make an impact having not featured on the green since missing the cut at The Masters earlier this month.

Rory McIlroy, winner in 2010, is also in the field that consists of names such as US Open champion Justin Rose and Webb Simpson.

McIlroy became the youngster winner of the tournament when he triumphed by four strokes four years ago, aged 20.

The Northern Irishman also became only the second player from outside the United States to claim the Wells Fargo Championship, so expect the local contingent to mount some of the weekend's biggest challenges.

Two Americans that could compete for top honours are Robert Streb and Andrew Svoboda, who tied for second at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last week.

The duo finished two strokes adrift of South Korean winner Seung-Yul Noh.

Noh, 22, clinched his maiden PGA Tour title and could be an outsider to upstage some of his elite opponents on the back of his successful showing in New Orleans.

He will take heart from the fact that four of the past six victors have been under the age of 24 - Ernst (22, 2013), Rickie Fowler (23, 2012), McIlroy (20, 2010) and Anthony Kim (22, 2008).

Meanwhile, South African veteran Ernie Els returns to Charlotte for the first time since 2007.

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