Holder Mickelson takes control at Riviera

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson shrugged off a poor start to the 2009 PGA Tour by charging into a one-shot lead in the Northern Trust Open first round on Thursday.

The American left-hander, taking advantage of ideal scoring conditions with a superb putting display, launched his title defense with a flawless eight-under-par 63.

Hitting his approach shots with precision on a glorious day of bright sunshine and no wind at Riviera Country Club, Mickelson piled up four birdies on each nine to take control.

American Scott McCarron, without a victory on the PGA Tour since the 2001 BellSouth Classic, birdied two of the last three holes for a 64.

Dustin Johnson, winner of last week''s Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, carded a 66 to finish level with fellow Americans Jim Furyk, Dean Wilson and John Merrick, Britain''s Luke Donald, Argentina''s Andres Romero and South Korean KJ Choi.

"It was a good start and I feel like I''m back on the right track," Mickelson told reporters after totaling only 22 putts. "At least my misses were much better. I felt much better with the putter and my short game was as good as it''s been."

After looking rusty in his first three tournaments of the year where he missed one cut and finished no better than joint 42nd, Mickelson was eager to return to a venue where he has tasted success.

"It certainly helps, having won here last year and played well the year before," the 38-year-old said. "I have a lot of confidence coming onto this golf course.

"I''m glad the last three days I was able to get some good work done and get back on track.

STILL COMING

However, Mickelson was not prepared to say he had regained his best form.

"Today''s score, it was obviously a good round, but I didn''t feel that I played immaculate," the world number five added. "I still feel as though it''s coming.

"The reason why the score was so low is I ended up making some putts. But at least I feel like I''m on the right track."

Mickelson, who triumphed by two shots last year, made a fast start with a birdie at his first hole, the par-four 10th, where he struck a lob wedge from rough below the green to seven feet.

He picked up further shots at the 13th, 16th and 17th to reach the turn in four-under 32.  Continued...