How does Phil follow up his near-record round?

February 1, 2013

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Phil Mickelson looks befuddled after birdie putt on the final hole, for a 59, just lips out.(Photo: Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

Phil Mickelson leads by four shots after his opening-round 60
The last time he had a 60 at this event, he won the tournament
Mickelson seems confident he can keep it going

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — What will Phil do next?

That’s the question Friday after the veteran star opened his Waste Management Phoenix Open on Thursday with a 59½.

LEADERBOARD: Phoenix Open ^[1]

OK, technically it was a 60 — 11 birdies, no bogeys at par-71 TPC Scottsdale — but that final birdie putt truly was halfway down before lipping out.

CRUEL MISS: Birdie putt at 18 just lips out ^[2]

“Well, he’s always been a guy, he sometimes takes a few days to knock the rust off,” longtime caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay said. “He took a couple weeks off, he got sick right before he came out for the (Humana Challenge). So Butch (Harmon) came to down (Wednesday), and it was a matter of time before he started getting something going.”

If history is any guide, it looks good for Phil.

The last time he dropped a 60 on the field, it was here at TPC Scottsdale. It was in the second round, following an opening 73. He added rounds of 66 and 68 on his way to victory.

And when he has carded his other lowest scores, a 61 and two 62s, Mickelson also has delivered W’s.

Is there another 60 in the bag? Another shot at 59?

Mickelson knows chances at golf’s magic number are rare, but he seems confident his game is on track for more low scores.

“I drove the ball great (Thursday), put a new driver in my bag,” Mickelson said following his round. “I got it Tuesday. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to hit. On 17, this is a great example, you’ve seen me over the years miss it left, and there’s water left, and I know there’s water left because I’ve been in it so many times, and I aimed right at the middle of the green. I trusted the club and went right at the middle of the green, on the middle of the green 50 feet from the hole, two?putted for birdie, and to me that’s the biggest thing. So if this driver does what it did for me today, it could alter my game significantly. The misses were minuscule, it went long and straight, and I’m really excited about the difference here.”

Mickelson, with Rickie Fowler and Jason Dufner, is scheduled to tee off at 2:16 p.m. on No. 1.

Mickelson leads a group of five players by four shots.

PHOTOS: CRUEL MISS ON 18 FOR PHIL MICKELSON