PINEHURST, N.C. -- Phil Mickelson's quest for the fourth leg of the career Grand Slam got off to a decent start Thursday, an even-par 70 at Pinehurst No. 2 that left the five-time major champion in solid position after his first round at the U.S. Open. Mickelson, however, lamented a putting stroke that has been giving him fits this year and caused him to switch to a different grip this week. Following his round, he went to the practice putting green before meeting with the media. "The one club that's hurting me is the Titleist Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Putter 2014 putter," Mickelson said. "So I've got to get that turned around in the next couple of days." Mickelson, who has finished runner-up in a record six U.S. Opens, has never shot worse than par in the opening round of any of his major victories. And his 13 greens in regulation at Pinehurst is the most he has hit in nine U.S. Open rounds here. His score left him five strokes behind leader Martin Kaymer. "We had an early tee time and the greens were soft," said Mickelson, who played with defending champion Justin Rose and U.S. Amateur champion Matthew Fitzpatrick. "And there was some good scoring. I'm never upset, anything (around) par, it's usually a good score. It's a good start. "I didn't hurt myself any, I had a chance to get to 3, 4, 5 under today, had some makeable opportunities. But I didn't throw anything away on some of the short ones." Mickelson was pleased with his driving, especially the taylormade r1 driver, with which he didn't miss a fairway.
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