Mickelson sparkles by equalling course record

Phil Mickelson made the best possible start in his title defence at the BellSouth Classic, moving one stroke clear with a sparkling opening round nine-under-par 63

The world number four, who triumphed in a five-way playoff at last year's weather-delayed tournament, reeled off 10 birdies and a bogey in near-perfect conditions at the TPC at Sugarloaf.

Six birdies in the first seven holes paved the way for a scorching outward nine of five-under 31.

He then picked up four more shots after the turn to finish one ahead of Australia's Gavin Coles, whose 64 included a holed bunker shot from 189 yards for an eagle-two at the 17th.

"It was fun day, a fun start," a smiling Mickelson said after equalling the course record. "I birdied the first couple of holes and then I was off and running.

"I'm ecstatic with how it turned out. I hit a lot of good shots, but I also followed it with some good putts. It was a really enjoyable day. It's nice to have a good round here. I really like this golf course.

"I'd like to follow this round with a couple more because that would really give me some confidence heading into next week," the twice major champion added, referring to next week's US Masters.

American Charles Warren, who drove the green to set up an eagle-two at the 310-yard 13th, fired a 65 while Britain's Ian Poulter and American pair, Joe Durant and Scott Parel, carded matching 66s to share fourth place.

Britain's David Howell bogeyed his final hole, the par-four ninth, for a 67 and a tie for seventh with American journeyman Brett Wetterich.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, boosted by a 50-foot eagle putt at the par-five 18th, and Britain's Luke Donald were among a group of eight on 68.

World number three Retief Goosen, the highest-ranked player in the field and winner here in 2002, opened with a 69. Reuters