Phil Mickelson tees off on the second hole of the Silverado Resort’s North Course during the first round of the Safeway Open on Thursday in Napa, Calif.NAPA, Calif. – Phil Mickelson made six straight birdies and shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday to pull within two strokes of leader Sepp Straka at the Safeway Open, the PGA Tour’s 2018-19 season opener.
Coming off a winless performance in the United States’ Ryder Cup loss to Europe last weekend in France, the 48-year-old Mickelson birdied Nos. 9-14 and closed with four straight pars on the North Course at Silverado Resort and Spa.
“I’ve been putting well, like I can putt,” Mickelson said. “But I was surprised at some of the shots I’ve hit. Honestly, I hit it just terrible, and today was kind of an anomaly. Don’t let the good round fool you. I’m not at all at my best. A few things clicked, and it was fun.”
Straka birdied the final three holes for a 63. The Austrian played alongside former MLB pitcher Mark Mulder, who opened with a 75. Chase Wright had a 64 – he played the last three holes in 4 under with an eagle on the par-5 16th and two birdies – and was alone in second in the second PGA Tour event of his career. He earned a tour card in the recently completed Web.com Tour Finals.
Seven golfers were tied for fourth at 66, and Baylor School graduates Stephan Jaeger and Luke List were among those tied for 54th at 70. Harris English, another former Red Raiders standout, was tied for 134th at 75. Keith Mitchell, the other Baylor alum on the PGA Tour, is not in the field this week.