Driving woes don’t derail Lefty
PEBBLE BEACH — Phil Mickelson is back in the AT& T Pebble Beach Pro- Am — doing his usual crazy stuff and still surfacing on the leaderboard.
Mickelson shot 4under- par 68 on Thursday, a strong score at typically rugged Spyglass Hill. But he bemoaned a strategic decision leading to some errant tee shots.
“Well, like an idiot I switched drivers,” Mickelson said after his round. “I hit some shots I didn’t care for today, so I’ll go back to my other driver.”
Mickelson missed this tournament last year for the first time since 1994 to spend time with his family during a school break. He has won the AT& T four times, most recently in 2012 — when he thrashed Tiger Woods in their final- round, head- to- head pairing.
Mickelson, 45, is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory since he memorably won the British Open in July 2013. Power of Steph: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is playing in the tournament for the first time. That created a logistical challenge, because Fitzgerald previously promised his 8- yearold son, Devin, that he would take him to Wednesday night’s Suns- Warriors game in Phoenix, so Devin could see Stephen Curry in person.
Fitzgerald kept his word. He played a practice round Wednesday morning, flew home for the basketball game and quickly flew back to Northern California. Fitzgerald made his 8: 11 a. m. tee time.
“It’s like when your kids open their Christmas gifts — you see this pure joy,” he said. “That’s what it was like last night ( watching Curry), so it was well worth it.”
Fitzgerald, playing with tour pro Kevin Streelman, offered an honest assessment of his golf game.
“I am what I am,” he said. “I’m a 15 ( handicap). I’m not going to walk inside the ropes and miraculously become a scratch golfer, so I’m not going to even allow my mind to think that. I’m just trying to do what I can to help my team.” Murray in character: Former 49ers offensive tackle Harris Barton hit a short, popup tee shot on No. 17 at Spyglass. Comedianactor Bill Murray immediately chimed in, “That’s terrible. Can you play any other sport?”
Once the gallery’s laughter subsided, Barton shot back, “I’ve never seen Tiger Woods pass- block.” Briefly: Jordan Spieth on his opening- round 71: “A bit weak.” … Pebble Beach, with a scoring average of 72.1, played as the most difficult course Thursday, followed by Spyglass at 71.9 and Monterey Peninsula ( par- 71) at 69.3. … Ryan Ruffels, a 17- year- old Australian pro, opened with a 67. Spencer Levin, from Elk Grove ( Sacramento County), shot 66.