Northern Trust Open: Mickelson birdies 18th for one-shot lead
Phil Mickelson birdied his final hole Thursday, the 18th, to take a one-shot lead over Hunter Mahan, who was born in Orange, and J.B. Holmes in the first round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.
Mickelson shot a five-under-par 66. Mahan birdied four of his last five holes to shoot a 67 and tie Holmes.
Mickelson is trying to win for the second week in a row on the PGA Tour.
He shot a final-round 64 on Sunday to take the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am while playing in the final group with Tiger Woods.
Sunday is a long way off, but Mickelson has won consecutive tournaments three times in his career.
The last player to win in consecutive weeks on the PGA Tour was Woods, who did it in 2009 at the Buick Open and Bridgestone Invitational.
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-- Diane Pucin
Photo: Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the second hole Thursday during the first round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club. Credit: Chris Carlson / Associated Press
