Big Phil misses Tour-equalling record by a shot

Phil Mickelson shot a first round 60 at 11 under par at the Phoenix Open to miss equalling the PGA Tour record by a single shot last night.

The 42-year-old hit seven birdies in his first nine holes, in a career-high haul of 11 overall.

He needed a birdie at the 18th to equal the record, but his putt went marginally wide of the target.

Pádraig Harrington also enjoyed an impressive opening 64 and is four shots off the pace in a tie with Ryan Palmer, Ted Potter and Brandt Snedeker.

Meanwhile, Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane have led tributes to JD Murphy, the father of former Tour colleague Gary Murphy who died suddenly on Wednesday night.

Lawrie muscled his way into a share of sixth place on six under on day one of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic but then revealed his sadness in learning the news prior to tee-off in the UAE.

“I am pleased to shoot a 66 but today is a very sad day as one of my very good friends, Gary Murphy’s father passed away last night,” he said.