Mickelson hits every fairway for first time in two decades

[February 08, 2019]  (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson on Thursday did something he had not managed in more than two decades when he hit every fairway in the first round at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in northern California.

The unusually accurate driving helped the five-times major champion to a six-under-par 65 at Monterey Peninsula, one of three courses used at the event.

Mickelson trailed American leaders Brian Gay and Scott Langley, who also played at Monterey, by one stroke.

"I think history was made as far as my career. I don't think I've ever done that before, certainly not in competition, so that was a bit milestone for me," said Mickelson, who could be excused for his fading memory.

The last time he hit every fairway in a PGA Tour event was at Torrey Pines back in 1998, according to the Tour.

It was not just Mickelson's driver that was working.

"I putted very well, too," said the lefthander.

"My speed was off. I ran a number of putts by but I made a lot of them coming back and made a lot of short ones.

"I was even through five holes and then I made a nice little run. This was a day we had great weather, courses were very 'scoreable', so you needed to take advantage of that."

Pebble Beach is a happy hunting ground for the 48-year-old, who has won the event four times.

Most of the good scores came at Monterey Peninsula, which yielded a lower average than Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.

South Korean Kim Si-woo had the best score at Pebble, a 66, while American Cody Gribble was best at Spyglass, also 66.

Phil Mickelson putts at the 9th hole during the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Ariz. Mandatory Credit: Sean Logan/The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Everyone in the field plays each of the three courses, before the cut is made for the final round at Pebble.

Most of the big names on Thursday were at Monterey, where Australian Jason Day matched Mickelson's 65, while Americans Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth fired 66.

Day, Johnson and Spieth are all part of the world number one club. Mickelson is not, though he has won more majors of currently active players than anyone other than Tiger Woods.

"I'm pleased with it (but) I definitely left some shots out there," said Johnson, four days removed from victory at the European Tour's Saudi International.

Spieth was even at the turn but ran in five birdies coming home.

"I'm really happy about the back nine. The putts went in instead of missing," he said.

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Ian Ransom)

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