USPGA Tour: Phil Mickleson on the charge

CHAMPION Phil Mickelson rocketed into a three-way tie for the lead at the Shell Houston Open in Humble, Texas yesterday when the rain-delayed first round was finally completed.

By The Newsroom

Published 31st Mar 2012, 03:16 BST

The American left-hander, one under with 15 holes remaining when play was suspended on Thursday after thunderstorms swept across Redstone Golf Club, carded a seven-under-par 65 to join Carl Pettersson and Angel Cabrera at the top.

“I played really well,” Mickelson said after mixing eight birdies with a lone bogey.

Americans Ricky Barnes, Jeff Maggert and John Huh, plus England’s Greg Owen, opened with 66s while Lee Westwood and Steve Stricker carded 68s.