Phil Mickelson has heaped praise on his LIV Golf colleague Bryson DeChambeau, after the latter impressed on day one of the Masters Tournament on Thursday.
DeChambeau stormed into the early lead in Georgia, carding a superb seven-under-par 65 to kick off his tournament in style. The American birdied his opening three holes, before his one and only blemish of the day came via a frustrating bogey on the par-four ninth.
DeChambeau dusted himself down though, and after steadying the ship with two pars at the 10th and 11th, he went on to make six birdies in seven holes during his back nine, to ensure he was the early pace-setter in testing conditions around Augusta National.
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On the back of his impressive showing, the clubhouse leader earned the plaudits of three-time Masters champion Mickelson. "He's one of the smartest people I know and he's one of the most talented players I know and probably one of the hardest working," Mickelson said.
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"He has found a way to play golf that's different and unique from anybody I've ever seen play it. He believes and knows that it gives him opportunities and advantages, and he's got the commitment and the self-assurance to not care what anybody else says but to go down this path that he knows is right for him.
"I think a lot of him and have a lot of respect for him." Mickelson too got his Masters underway in Thursday's early wave of players, after play at Augusta National was suspended for over two hours due to the morning weather conditions. Things were slightly more frustrating for the 53-year-old though, who signed for an opening one-over 73 on day one.
Bryson DeChambeau is the early leader at the Masters (Getty Images)After starting his tournament with a bogey at the first, Mickelson responded well with birdies at the third and eighth to make the turn at one-under. Two late bogeys at the 16th and 17th however ensured he kicked off week over-par, with the aim no doubt to make the 36-hole cut come the end of Friday's play.
Looking back on his opening round, the LIV star said afterwards: "Look, I hit a lot of good shots. I made some good putts. I feel good with my game actually. I feel like I'm driving the ball well. I feel like I'm rolling it pretty good. You just kind of have to take what the course gives you.
"And there's some holes that will be birdie opportunities with the pins, and I feel like I'm playing well enough to take advantage of them. There's three more rounds. I'm looking forward to them. I always enjoy this week. This is the greatest week. I thought it was an interesting challenge that we don't get to see as often the last few years."
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