Mickelson surges into first round lead
Friday, 20 February 2009 09:59Phil Mickelson produced an impressive round of 63 at Riviera Country Club to take a one-shot lead after yesterday's first round of the Northern Trust Open was suspended due to darkness.
Defending champion Mickelson fired an eight-under-par effort that saw him lead fellow American Scott McCarronby by one stroke.
Four golfers were still on the course when play was halted and will resume their rounds at 10.45am local time today.
Graeme McDowell posted a round of 70 to lie seven off the lead, with Padraig Harrington a further two stroked behind.
Mickelson, who has not finished higher than 42nd in his first three events of the PGA Tour season, showed signs he was coming back into form in birdieing four of his first eight holes after starting on the back nine. The left-hander then picked up shots at the first, third, fourth and seventh to complete a satisfying day`s work.
McCarron also sank eight birdies but dropped a stroke on the par-four 13th to sign for a seven-under 64.
A group of seven golfers that includes Dustin Johnson and Jim Furyk are a further two shots back on five-under.
Johnson, who won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last week, carded six birdies and a bogey in his 66.
After reaching the turn at one-under, the 24-year-old birdied the 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th.
Also tied for third place are Luke Donald, KJ Choi, John Merrick, Dean Wilson and Andres Romero.
