LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Phil Mickelson birdied four of his last five holes Friday in the Desert Classic to take a two-stroke lead into the weekend in his first event of the year.
A day after matching his career-low score with 12-under 60 at La Quinta Country Club, Mickelson had a 68 on PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament Course to reach 16 under.
"I struck the ball every bit as well, I just didn't putt anywhere close to as well as I did yesterday," said Mickelson, the tournament winner in 2002 and 2004.
Mickelson, 48, will play the final two rounds on PGA West's Stadium Course.