Phil Mickelson finds touch again

Phil Mickelson regained his confidence on Thursday and shot 67 to share the opening round lead at the U.S. PGA Championship, but had no sympathy for the struggles of rival Tiger Woods.

Mickelson was three under par over Baltusrol's Lower Course, while Woods wobbled to five-over-par 75 for his worst opening round at a major in relation to par since turning pro in 1996.

"If you're looking for me to shed a tear, it's not going to happen," Mickelson, rebounding from a dismal tie for 60th at last month's British Open, said about Woods's position.

Woods, the tournament favourite after wins this year at the U.S. Masters and British Open, stood eight shots and more than 100 places back in the field of 156 at tied for 113th.

Joining Mickelson at 67 were South Africans Trevor Immelman and Rory Sabbatini, 2003 British Open champion Ben Curtis of the United States, Canadian Stephen Ames and Australian Stuart Appleby, who also was glad not to have Woods on his shoulder.

"I think there are plenty of guys happy to see him down the leaderboard for a change," said Appleby. "I don't think you're going to get some saying, 'Oh, I'm so sorry, what a pity.'"

Woods's name has been a constant on the leaderboard at this year's majors, which also included a second-place at the U.S. Open beside the victories.

Mickelson, who broke through last year for his first major title at the U.S. Masters, was happy with his own game, saying he felt more relaxed and confident than he has since last year at Augusta.

"I feel like I know where the ball is going," said the left-hander, who is sacrificing 25 yards in distance off the tee in favour of accuracy by hitting a left-to-right fade at Baltusrol.

"I'm trying to hit a soft cut shot to get the ball to stay in the fairway so I can be more aggressive into the pins."

Mickelson rolled in three birdie bombs of 35 feet at the ninth, 10th and 14th holes and then grabbed a share of the lead with a two-putt birdie at the par-five 18th.

Despite their relief that Woods is not breathing down their necks at the moment, both Mickelson and Appleby said they did not think his quest for his third major of the season was dead.

"I'm sure you'll see a rebounding round from him tomorrow or over the weekend," said Appleby.

Mickelson added: "Come Sunday his name will find its way up on top there. It'll be tough for us to keep him back."

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