3 questions with Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson tees off on the 17th hole during the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Augusta.  Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Phil Mickelson tees off on the 17th hole during the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Augusta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champ trying to become the oldest to win the tournament at age 47, spoke about his 2-under 70 in Thursday’s opening round of the 82nd Masters.

Question: What was happening for you?

Mickelson: “I was fractionally off today. I just wasn't quite sharp. I didn't strike it the way I wanted to. My short game wasn't quite as sharp as I wanted it to be. And I didn't capitalize on some putts that I've usually been making. But what I did do well is I plotted my way around the golf course. I got in in a reasonable score. And if I was fractionally off, I'll get it turned around for tomorrow's round, and see if I can turn it around when things are clicking a little bit better.”

Question: What's a realistic score for Friday?

Mickelson: “To say the day before is impossible. You don't know where the pins are going to be nor do you know the weather. I'm not worried about setting a target score for tomorrow, but I just need to play well, hit shots and capitalize on some opportunities on the greens. And I probably threw three or four shots away on the greens that I have been making these putts all year and let a few go today.”

Question: What happened with the birdie putt on No.18?

Mickelson: “That was terrible. It was up left‑to‑right, couldn't be easier, and I hit a terrible putt. That's the stuff I'm talking about.”