Mickelson’s low expectations lead to impressive 65 in first round at Safeway Open
>> NAPA: Phil Mickelson said he’s pleased with his opening round of the 2018-19 PGA season, but warned people not to read too much into his seven-under 65 at the Safeway Open on Thursday.
“I was just surprised at some of the shots I hit,” the left-handed American said. “Today was an anomaly. Don’t let the good round fool you. I am not at my best.”
Mickelson came into the tournament at the Silverado Resort and Spa fresh off a disappointing appearance at the Ryder Cup where he went 0-2 as the Americans suffered a devastating defeat to Europe last week.
“I am tired and fatigued,” he admitted. “I am trying to save every ounce of energy for the coure.”
He took advantage of the birdiefriendly Napa, California, course to sit in third place, two strokes back of leader Sepp Straka.
Mickelson rolled in six straight birdies beginning at the par-five ninth hole and said he had no inkling when he got up in the morning he would play so well.
“I had one of my worst warm-ups of the year,” he said. “But you throw on one of these shirts and you can dance and hit fairways, awesome.”
Austria’s Straka fired a nine-under 63 while American Chris Wright was alone in second after shooting a 64.
Brandt Snedeker and Mackenzie Hughes were part of a group of eight players who shot six-under 66. Over 100 players in the 143-man field finished under par on Thursday.
Most of the game’s biggest names are taking time off and won’t return until January.