Mickelson loses ground on second day of title defense

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Phil Mickelson is trying to become the first player to defend a PLAYERS title. (Getty Images)

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Defending champions don't have a scintillating track record at THE PLAYERS Championship. If 2007 winner Phil Mickelson hopes to change that, he'll have to make some minor adjustments in execution around TPC Sawgrass.

The No. 2 player in the world struggled on Friday afternoon to take full advantage of his scoring chances and also let a few loose shots sneak into his round, and the result was a largely unsatisfying 1-over-par 73 on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course.

"It wasn't what I needed or what I wanted," Mickelson said of a round that left him at 1-under 143 through 36 holes, tied for 12th and five behind leader Kenny Perry. "Some loose shots really cost me, but I have to look at the big picture and remember I'm only five back. It's still a good position for the weekend."

Mickelson, who will turn 38 next month, mixed in three birdies with four bogeys with less than punctilious shot-making. He hit eight fairways and just 12 greens, and for the second straight round his putter, uncooperative for much of the year, offered little relief as he needed 31 strokes on the slick greens.

"I've hit a decent amount on line," said Mickelson, who has been working hard on his putting with short-game teacher Dave Pelz. "I feel like I'm making a good stroke. It didn't feel bad, but I'm not getting a lot to go in."

Chipping also was a bit of a weak spot as he failed to get used to the ball releasing once it reached the putting surface. He planned to work primarily on the short game as he prepared for the weekend.

Despite the struggles, he wasn't unhappy with his position. The best a defending champion has finished the following year is a tie for fifth. There's plenty of time for him to move to higher ground.

"I felt like I had an opportunity to shoot a good round in the 60s. I let a number of shots slide again, but I have to look at the fact that I'm only five shots back heading into the weekend," he reiterated. "Anything under par heading into the weekend is right in it. Even par is right in it. If I can get a good round tomorrow I'll be in good position for Sunday, and that's really all we want is a good opportunity for Sunday."