Mickelson grabs Houston share

Phil Mickelson matched the course record with a sparkling 63 to grab a share of the lead after three rounds of the Shell Houston Open.

Mickelson, who will defend his Masters title next week, is warming up nicely for his title defence and shot a nine-birdie round to join Scott Verplank at the top of the leaderboard at the Redstone Golf Club.

After starting with back-to-back two-under-par 70s, Mickelson predicted he would need to “go low” in his third round to move into contention, and no-one has gone lower on this tournament course.

Adam Scott and Johnson Wagner both carded 63s in 2008, and Jimmy Walker matched that score on Thursday.

Verplank, who began the week by shooting a 73, shot a second straight 65 to finish up on a 13-under-par 203.

Australian Aaron Baddeley and another American Steve Kirk, were one shot behind after their respective third rounds of 66 and 69.

Bad score

Canada’s David Hearn (66) and former US Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim (69) will be within striking distance heading into the final round, after reaching 11-under.

Steve Stricker held seventh place on 10-under by himself, ahead of a four-man tie on nine under involving Nate Smith, Hunter Mahan, Robert Allenby and the leading European, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington.

JJ Henry shot 65 to be five adrift of Mickelson and Verplank, and on a day when par was a bad score, world number two Lee Westwood signed for a disappointing two-over 74, ending his hopes of the top-two finish which would have taken him back to number one ahead of the Masters.

Westwood stands 11 shots off the pace, but his fellow Englishmen Ross Fisher and Brian Davis were just seven behind the leaders after their respective rounds of 69 and 67.

Mickelson was happy to reflect on a great day on the course, fuelling his confidence for the coming challenges.

“It doesn’t hurt,” said the 40-year-old.

“I knew that I was close game-wise but I hadn’t been putting together the score. To get a good round like this means a lot.

“Also to have the challenge of tomorrow, to be in contention, to be in the final group, have an opportunity to win, I really enjoy that opportunity, that challenge, and I think it’s good for me to be in that position heading into next week, too.”