PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Ireland's Padraig Harrington shot 8-under 63 Thursday to take the first-round lead at the PGA's Nissan Open Golf Tournament in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
He has a three-shot lead over Phil Mickelson, Pat Perez and Briny Baird, who all are 5-under 66. Mickelson won last week's AT&T Pro-Am tournament at Pebble Beach, Calif.
"Obviously I'm exceptionally pleased shooting 63," said Harrington, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. "It's my first tournament here at Riviera (Golf Course), and I think that might catch up to me not knowing the course that well."
Jim Furyk and Cameron Beckman are tied for fifth at 4-under 67.
Mickelson's victory last week returned him to the top five in the latest Official World Golf Rankings. He is fourth behind No. 1 Tiger Woods, Furyk (2) and Adam Scott (3).
