Mickelson: two over after two
World number two Phil Mickelson declared himself satisfied after a level-par 70 kept him in contention after day one of the USPGA.
The pre-tournament favourite bounced back from a bogey-bogey start at Oakland Hills Country Club, as he bids to claim a fourth major title.
"I'm just happy to have shot even-par," the 2005 champion said. "After the start I thought it was pretty good to hang in there, fight and make some birdies because there were a lot of holes that were tough to get to.
"Yet, if you were patient, there were some pin placements you could get to."
The left-hander's famed short game was not quite at his best on Thursday, admitting: "I let a few short-game shots get away which I didn't do last week so I've got to work on that before tomorrow's round.
"Overall though I felt like I hit some good shots and made some good pars coming in. I'll gladly take it."
As for the course-lay-out, Mickelson added: "It's challenging but that's what we face in all the majors.
"That's the patience factor and one of the reasons why winning a major is always more difficult.
"Everybody is going to make bogeys," added the 38-year-old. "If you can just keep your round around par you're going to be in the tournament and so that's more the focus."
