• Greenbrier Classic, Round One

Mickelson hopes damaged by putting woes

Phil Mickelson will be hoping to do better with the putter on Saturday © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Stallings holds nerve to claim maiden tour title
  
• News: New strategy brings Kim immediate rewards
  
• Profile: Sergio Garcia | Phil Mickelson

Leaderboard

World No. 6 Phil Mickelson threw away a promising position on the first day of the Greenbrier Classic by coming off the rails across the back nine holes.

Mickelson, playing for the first time since finishing second at the Open Championship, carded a level-par 70 at the Old White TPC course, leaving him six strokes behind leader Trevor Immelman.

The American was in terrific form from the tee throughout the day, averaging over 320 yards and hitting 71% of his fairways, but failed to get to grips with the greens, recording a disappointing 31 putts.

Needing to finish first or second to have a chance of displacing Nick Watney at the top of the FedEx Cup standings, Mickelson looked on course to push for the lead by turning in 35, before stuttering home with four bogeys and three birdies.

It was another frustrating day with the putter for Mickelson, who is 44th in the putts per round rankings this season - despite having a reputation as a master with the short stick. Since winning the Houston Open in April, the American's short game has misfired, although there were signs of recovery at Royal St George's earlier this month.

"It was a disappointing overall score for me, because I played well enough to score low," said Mickelson, who is making his debut at The Greenbrier. "I missed six putts inside six feet, and I just can't do that.

"I ended up making some longer ones, which was good to offset it. But I've got to get this turned around for tomorrow."

Elsewhere, Sergio Garcia's resurgence was stopped in its tracks as his putting demons once again resurfaced in a round of 72. The Spaniard, who has only once been outside the top 20 in his last six starts, took 34 strokes on the greens and now faces a struggle to make the cut.

The Old White course gave up only the fifth 59 in PGA Tour history last year, with Stuart Appleby firing it to win the event, but organisers have made the track offer a more severe test this year - and that was reflected in some average scoring.

Immelman leads by one from Billy Mayfair, Derek Lamely, Steven Bowditch and Webb Simpson.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.