Mickelson drops in a 60

Arizona still feels like home to Phil Mickelson, especially on a day like Friday, when he had one of the best rounds of his life, and one of the lowest scores in PGA Tour history.

The Arizona State alum, who long lived in Scottsdale before moving to California, tied the course record with an 11-under 60 in the second round of the FBR Open in Scottsdale.

Mickelson birdied the final five holes to finish one stroke shy of the PGA Tour record for 18 holes – 59, held by Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval. The Masters champion is the 16th player to shoot a 60.

“It was a wonderful day,” Mickelson said. “No complaints here.”

Halfway through the 72-hole event, he shared the lead at 9-under 133 with 21-year-old Kevin Na, the youngest player on the PGA Tour.

It was the lowest round ever for Mickelson in an official PGA Tour event, bettering a third-round 61 in his 2001 Greater Hartford Open victory. He shot a 59 last Nov. 24 at the PGA Grand Slam. Mickelson tied the FBR Open – formerly the Phoenix Open – course record set by Grant Waite in 1996 and matched by Mark Calcavecchia in 2001.

Mickelson, seeking his 24th tour victory and first of 2005, had nine birdies and an eagle on the 7,216-yard Tournament Players Club course, where he won in 1996.

“I would have taken 65 and been ecstatic, because I would be 4 under and be within four or five of the lead going into the weekend,” he said. “Instead, I’m near the lead if not on top of it, because I love this tournament.”

Stadler went after Skins invite

Craig Stadler has wanted to play alongside Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson for a long time.

So he won five times and took the money title on the Champions Tour last year, making sure he received an invitation to this year’s made-for-TV Champions Skins Game in Wailea, Hawaii.

“I think that was the reason I played the last seven events last year, to make sure I stayed on and won the money title and got an invite over here,” Stadler said. “Playing with those three guys, it’s something where if you have the opportunity to, you certainly don’t want to miss.”

Watson, the defending champion, has had a fast start in Hawaii this year by earning $262,000 in two events.

The first six holes of the Skins Game are worth $20,000, Nos. 7-12 $30,000, the next five $40,000 and No. 18 $100,000.