PARAMUS, N.J. - Phil Mickelson started this day so far back at The Barclays that he even declared himself out of it. And Mickelson admits defeat about as willingly as Danica Patrick.

But playing in the much-easier-scoring morning conditions that he couldn’t take advantage of on Thursday, Mickelson eagled the par 5 third hole at Ridgewood Country Club and suddenly finds himself only four shots back of shaky leader Kevin Streelman, who has yet to tee off. Mickelson is through nine at 4-under for the tournament (3-under for the day). When it’s over, he’s probably going to still end up kicking himself for more lost opportunities though - a theme of this season that’s saw him remain No. 2 in the world in glacial-changing rankings only.

For Mickelson should be even closer than he is.

Mickelson’s bogeyed two par 4s - including the super short sixth. He’s still giving the crowd plenty of entertainment value though. Through nine holes, Mickelson has that eagle, those two bogeys and three birdies. Phil is as much of a rollercoaster as a tabloid princess.

If he can just finish in the Top 10 though, he’ll put himself in great position for the rest of the FedEx Cup.

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