Northern Trust Open: Mickelson birdies 18th for one-shot lead

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Phil Mickelson birdied his final hole Thursday, the 18th, to take a one-shot lead over Hunter Mahan, who was born in Orange, and J.B. Holmes in the first round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

Mickelson shot a five-under-par 66. Mahan birdied four of his last five holes to shoot a 67 and tie Holmes.

Mickelson is trying to win for the second week in a row on the PGA Tour.

He shot a final-round 64 on Sunday to take the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am while playing in the final group with Tiger Woods.

Sunday is a long way off, but Mickelson has won consecutive tournaments three times in his career.

The last player to win in consecutive weeks on the PGA Tour was Woods, who did it in 2009 at the Buick Open and Bridgestone Invitational.

RELATED:

Northern Trust Open: Watney, Choi and Byrd off to fast starts

J.B. Holmes is getting his health back; his game is recovering too

PGA Tour rides wave of excitement into resurgent Riviera for Northern Trust Open

-- Diane Pucin