WATCH: Phil Mickelson leaves one in the bunker, holes out next for birdie

Phil Mickelson didn’t make a bogey over his first nine holes Thursday at The Open. In fact, he even saved birdie.

The 2013 Open champion hit his second shot into a greenside bunker at the par-5 second and then left the ball in there with his next swing. Mickelson promptly holed his fourth.

That was one of two birdies (par-5 seventh) and seven pars in a front-nine 34 at Royal Portrush. The 55-year-old was tied for the early lead as he made the turn.

Mickelson has missed the cut in five of his last seven Open starts since his runner-up finish to Henrik Stenson at Royal Troon in 2016. Mickelson’s Open triumph came at Muirfield, 12 years ago.