Mickelson appears healthy in Houston

Associated Press

HUMBLE, TEXAS

Phil Mickelson did more than prove to just himself that he’s ready for next week’s Masters on Thursday.

The five-time major winner showed to everyone that he’s fully recovered from last week’s muscle pull and likely to be a factor in this week’s Houston Open as well.

Without so much as a practice round this week at the 7,441-yard Golf Club of Houston, Mickelson opened with a 4-under par 68 and was among the leaders following Thursday’s opening round.

The bogey-free performance was a far cry from last week when Mickelson was forced to withdraw during the third round in San Antonio after pulling a muscle in his right side

“I’m surprised because I was worried about the Masters,” Mickelson said. “I was certainly worried about Houston, but it healed a lot quicker. I felt great today; didn’t feel any pain or discomfort and didn’t even think about it.”

Mickelson is three shots back of first-round co-leaders Bill Haas and Charley Hoffman, both who finished at 7 under. Hass had five birdies on his back nine, while Hoffman needed just 27 putts to earn a share of the lead.

Keegan Bradley and Matt Kuchar lead a group of five golfers at 6 under. J.B. Holmes, Erik Compton and Jim Renner are also at 6 under, with 10 golfers are at 5 under.

Of the 144 players in the field, 113 finished at even par or under on an overcast and occasionally misty day.

Warren JFK High School graduate Jason Kokrak shot a first-round 73.