Snedeker leads Safeway Open by three, Mickelson in contention
>> SAN FRANCISCO: Brandt Snedeker may not think much of Phil Mickelson’s talent-judging skills, but he’s convinced ‘Lefty’ can keep his job on the PGA Tour for a few more years.
Mickelson told Snedeker heading into the 2018 Safeway Open that he had low expectations for the seasonopening tournament because he was hitting the ball so poorly — and then went out and blasted a first-round 65.
The 48-year-old Mickelson followed that up with a stellar 69 on Friday. He was just three strokes back of Snedeker, who led at the halfway point with a 13-under 131 after carding a second-round 65.
“I texted him. I gave him a hard time because he told me he’s playing terrible and then he goes out and shoots six birdies in a row,” Snedeker said.
“I said, ‘Really, you are a great judge of talent’.”
Mickelson was tied for second at 10 under with fellow Americans Michael Thompson (65) and Ryan Moore, who shot his second straight 67 at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California.
Mickelson admitted he was fatigued this week. He came into the tournament fresh off a disappointing appearance at the Ryder Cup where he went 0-2 as the Americans suffered a devastating defeat to Europe in France.
“It’s a crazy game,” he said. “My expectations were nil but I did a lot of good shots. I am surprised.
“Eventually some of my putts started to drop. I am putting too well not to make putts.”
That included a 39-foot birdie putt on the par-three seventh hole.
“He’s confident now being where he is,” Snedeker said of three-time Masters winner Mickelson. “As the course gets tougher he is going to play better.”