LOS ANGELES – Phil Mickelson’s plan is to post a low score Friday morning before the heavy rain comes in at the Northern Trust Open.
Mickelson’s commuting by plane from his home in Rancho Sante Fe, a 30-minute flight.
Though Mickelson’s ball striking was good in the first round, a balky putter cost him in a round of even-par 72. He made four birdies and four bogeys.
‘I struggled getting the ball to go in,’ Mickelson said.
Though Mickelson hit 10 fairways and 13 greens in regulation, he needed 32 putts. He missed a 6-footer for par at the 14th and after making the turn missed a 3 ½-footer for birdie at the first.
“I got lucky on the tee times because it’s supposed to be OK in the morning and not get bad until later,” Mickelson said of Friday’s forecast. “I should be fine on my commute. I just need to get a few birdies in there in the morning.
