“I'll make two swings and it costs me four shots” – Phil Mickelson opens up on his ‘good’ start at The Masters 

Phil Mickelson ended Day 1 of the 2023 Masters sitting at T26. The ace golfer shared the position with the likes of Fred Couples, Patrick Reed, Hideki Matsuyama, Max Homa, and Dustin Johnson, among others. While his opening round wasn’t the best, Mickelson has himself dubbed it a good one.

Mickelson had something familiar about his opening round Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club. Filled with lobs, foul balls, and driver shots from off the deck, it was a typical Lefty round. Making a strong return to the prestigious tournament, the LIV golfer carded an amusing one-under 71. Opening up about the “issue” he was facing, Mickelson stated that he was ‘making two swings that cost him four shots.’

Speaking to the media about his opening round at The Masters, Phil Mickelson said, as quoted by Golf Digest:

“I hit a lot of good shots today and had a chance to shoot a low round. But this is the issue I've been dealing with is I'll make two swings and it costs me four shots on 11 and 16. I just need to keep working on eliminating it. I'm hitting enough good shots to shoot some good numbers, and I'm having fun playing, and I'm having fun hitting the shots again and driving it well. Just need to stay a little bit sharper.”

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Phil Mickelson eyes a comeback at Masters

It is pertinent to note that Mickelson voluntarily sat out The Masters last year following his controversial comments about the PGA Tour. The golfer went skiing with his wife Amy instead of being at the event. The Saudi-backed series’ star eventually decided to play this year with 17 other LIV players. While he is yet to win an event at LIV, the 52-year-old looks sharp this week at Augusta.

Speaking about his approach this weekend, Mickelson said:

“That I get to play Augusta National in the Masters and this is an awesome day no matter what I shoot. Just trying to enjoy the day and not put so much pressure on myself. I was actually enjoying it and appreciative of the opportunity to be here. There was a lot of talk a year ago (about) guys (from LIV Golf) wouldn't be able to be here, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play and compete here and be a part of it.”

It is pertinent to note that the Masters leaderboard is currently being led by Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Mickelson’s LIV friend Brooks Koepka. Despite trailing the leaders by six strokes, Mickelson might be eyeing a strong comeback on Day 2. Fans also seem stoked for the former PGA Tour championship winner's comeback at the big event.