DULUTH, Ga., March 30 (UPI) -- Phil Mickelson carded a 9-under-par 63 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after one round of the BellSouth Classic at Duluth, Ga.
The defending champion tied a course record at the TPC at Sugarloaf, held by Tiger Woods (1998), Duffy Waldorf (1999) and Ben Crane (2003).
"Any round could have been better, but it could have been not nearly as good, either," Mickelson said. "It was a good day overall."
Gavin Coles, a two-time winner on the Nationwide Tour, shot 8-under 64 and was second. Charles Warren, who has won three times on the Nationwide Tour, is one stroke further back at 7-under 65.
Ian Poulter (66) shares fourth with Scott Parel and Joe Durant. David Howell shot 5-under 67 to share seventh place with Brett Wetterich.
Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington were among those at 4-under 68.
