Golf: Mickelson in lead once again

Phil Mickelson. Photo / Getty Images

Phil Mickelson has kicked on from his Pebble Beach rout, shooting a five under 66 at Riviera Country Club to lead the US PGA Tour Northern Trust Open in a wind-affected first round.

Mickelson, fresh from blitzing the field last week on the way to career win number 40, stamped his authority on the famed Los Angeles track.

A two-time winner of the event, Mickelson handled tough winds early in his round before taking full advantage when the ferocity abated in the late afternoon.

He punctuated his 66 with a last hole chip in, his sixth birdie of the day, to take the lead.

Recent brain surgery patient JB Holmes and fellow American Hunter Mahan shared second place after impressive four under rounds of 67.

High winds slowed play throughout the day, leaving 30 players yet to complete their opening rounds.

Marc Leishman was the best-placed Australian after a one under 70, good enough to be tied 14th.

He played his best golf in the stronger winds, notching up two front nine birdies but gave a stroke back on the back nine.

Mat Goggin found some form in the tougher morning conditions, shooting an even par 71 to tie 24th.

It was tough going for defending champion Aaron Baddeley, who was three over after as many holes with an early bogey and double bogey.

But he managed to finish with a two over 73, the same score posted by fellow Australians Adam Scott, Jason Day, John Senden, Stuart Appleby and Jarrod Lyle, leaving them tied 55th.

Scott, in his first competitive appearance in three months and first hit out since a recent tonsillectomy, was still reasonably pleased.

"It was really tough conditions with the wind gusting all morning and the cold weather early," he said.

"It's just different playing when it counts compared to a practice round or playing with your mates at home and I just have to settle back into competitive rhythm.

"I wouldn't say I'm there yet but it wasn't bad, it was fairly sharp and not that rusty, actually.

"The important thing is to put a good round on it tomorrow no matter the conditions," Scott said.

- AAP