Mickelson sets record standard

Phil Mickelson was in a league of his own in Atlanta today as he produced the lowest 36-hole score of his 15-year US Tour career.

The defending champion added a 65 to his course record-equalling opening 63 and on the 16-under-par mark of 128 held a massive seven-stroke lead over Jose Maria Olazabal midway through the second day’s play at the BellSouth Classic.

Olazabal, who lost a play-off to Mickelson in the event a year ago, returned a flawless 64 but had started the day down in 47th place on only one under.

Mickelson’s halfway total also set a new tournament record.

“He must be playing really great golf. It makes it difficult to catch him unless we play awesome(ly),” said Olazabal.

“I still don’t feel comfortable with my driver. But I putted better without question, and my attitude has been pretty good – which is important.”

The pair both teed off at 7.30am but on different halves, and it was soon a case of ‘anything you can do I can do too’.

Olazabal birdied three of his first four holes, but so did Mickelson. Olazabal turned in 32, but so did Mickelson. Olazabal quickly grabbed three more birdies, but so did Mickelson.

The only difference came right at the end, the Spanish star finishing things off with a two-putt birdie – his eighth of the round – at the 18th.

Australian Gavin Coles, one behind Mickelson after his opening 64, had still to resume.

But Ian Poulter was among the early starters and by covering his first 16 holes in seven under he remained in joint fourth place – although now nine adrift of Mickelson rather than three.

David Howell, seventh overnight on five under, added only a 72 but had slipped only one place – while Luke Donald’s two opening birdies put him into a tie for sixth spot on six under.