Phil Mickelson leads; Aussie Jarrod Lyle in pursuit at Northern Trust Open
Phil Mickelson leads; Aussie Jarrod Lyle in pursuit at Northern Trust Open
| Written by Drummond Golf Sunday, 19 February 2012 07:15 |
 There were only a few highlights for Phil Mickelson on day two of the Northern Trust Open in California, but the American scrambled well enough to maintain his lead at the halfway mark of the event. After an excellent opening round of 66 at Riviera, Mickelson struggled for momentum on Friday February 17 (local time), with two moments of class helping to salvage his round. At the eighth hole the 40-year-old dropped in his second shot from the fairway for an eagle two, negating the two bogeys he made either side at the seventh and ninth. "I probably didn't play the greatest today, but I was able to kind of salvage a good round and had a good break on eight where I holed out from the fairway," he said. "That was a nice little bonus." Earlier Mickelson chipped in for a birdie at 16 - having begun his round on the back nine - on his way to a one-under 70 and six under the card overall. Compatriot Pat Perez is one shot back in outright second after a round of 65. In a faultless display Perez saved his best until last, with an unexpected birdie after finding trouble at the 18th hole. With his tee shot landing to the right of the fairway and his view to the green hidden by trees, the 35-year-old cut a hopeful six-iron to within 12 feet of the hole and sunk the crucial putt. Perez said afterwards: "I didn't hit it like you'd think I would. "I didn't drive it all that great. I just scrambled well. I put myself in the right places to make par or birdie." Five players currently share third place at four under including Australian Jarrod Lyle. Having been well off the pace after a round of 73 on Thursday, Lyle shot the equal round of the day with six birdies and no bogeys launching him up the leaderboard. Fellow Australian Marc Leishman compiled a solid 69 and is sitting equal eighth at three under. Defending champion Aaron Baddeley is back in a share of 28th at even par, but still in contention to hold onto his title this weekend. Eight players are still to complete their second rounds after bad light brought a halt to proceedings, with the cut expected to be at three under. |
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