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Mickelson ties career-low round at Desert Classic, takes 3-shot lead

Jeff Gross / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Phil Mickelson showed no signs of rust during his first round of 2019, as the 48-year-old fired a remarkable 12-under-par 60 to hold a three-shot lead over Adam Long after the opening round of the Desert Classic.

Mickelson didn't expect to match his career-low round on Thursday, tweeting that he was "rusty" before teeing off.

The 43-time PGA Tour winner wasted no time while making a statement at La Quinta Country Club, recording birdies on his first two holes en route to a front-nine 30. He didn't let up on the back side, heading to the 17th needing two closing birdies to shoot a magical 59.

A par on the second-last hole meant Mickelson needed to eagle on 18 to finish at 13-under, but he settled for birdie to match his lowest Tour score ever.

Behind Mickelson and Long, Curtis Luck sits four back, and a quartet of golfers are five behind at 7-under.

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