Phil Mickelson broke out of the pack at theCanon Greater Hartford Open in Connecticut yesterday with a record-tying performance at the TPC at River Highlands.
Mickelson, playing his first tournament since the US Open two weeks ago, shot a nine-under-par 61 in the third round to forge a one-stroke lead over David Berganio Jr. at 14-under-par 196.
With temperatures soaring into the mid-90s, the smooth swinging southpaw equalled the TPC record set by Kirk Triplett in the third round of last year's tournament, and he did so without making a bogey.
His eagle on the par-five 13th hole vaulted him into the outright lead for the first time at 11-under-par and he birdied three of his final five holes coming in.
"I felt like today was my opportunity to go low, but I didn't expect to go nine-under," Mickelson said. "I feel pretty fortunate to shoot what I shot."
Mickelson's only win this year came at the Buick Invitational in early February. He has recorded nine top-10 finishes in 16 events, eight of them being top-three finishes. He tied for seventh at the US Open.
Reuters