DULUTH, Ga. - Phil Mickelson is ready to play even if it takes until Monday to complete the rain-plagued BellSouth Classic.

Meanwhile, Ian Woosnam, Stuart Appleby, Chris DiMarco, Steve Flesch and David Peoples withdrew from the tournament Friday. Peoples is the only one in the field not in the field for next week's Masters.

Woosnam, the 1991 Masters champion, was scheduled to make his first start of the year on American soil at the BellSouth Classic.

After Thursday's opening round was washed out, the rain fell at the TPC at Sugarloaf again Friday, postponing the first round until Saturday.

PGA Tour official Slugger White said 18 holes would be played today and Sunday with 36 holes on Monday.

That was fine with Mickelson, who will then take off for Augusta to defend his Masters title.

"If we have to get 72 holes, get in on Monday," said Mickelson. "I love the way the tour has been doing that and really making the commitment to getting 72 holes in. It would not bother me in the least."

Woosnam, Europe's Ryder Cup captain for 2006, didn't give a reason for dropping out, but had complained recently of back problems.

Appleby, ranked No. 13 in the world, and Flesch each cited sciatica problems. DiMarco, ranked No. 15, and Peoples did not give a reason.

Players do not have to give a reason immediately, but have to notify the PGA Tour commissioner within 14 days, explaining why they dropped out.

Weather has affected eight of the 14 tournaments on tour so far this year. The BellSouth will run until Monday, a move that will prevent some of the Masters entrants from practicing in Augusta on Monday.

The weather is expected to clear up by the weekend, but the forecast Saturday is for cool temperatures in the low 50s with winds 20 to 30 mph. The forecast for Sunday and Monday is for warmer weather with less wind.

White said the goal is to play 18 holes on Saturday and Sunday and 36 on Monday. The top 70 and ties will make the cut, but only the nearest number of players to 60th place will compete over the final 36 holes.

"Our main objective is (to get) 72 holes completed. Now it won't be Sunday, but it will be Monday," he said. "Our best scenario is 72 holes Monday. Our next best would be 54 on Monday."

Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, the top three players in the world, are skipping the BellSouth to focus on the Masters.

The BellSouth field also includes defending champion Zach Johnson, Retief Goosen and Stewart Cink.