LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Phil Mickelson made three long birdie putts on the back nine Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Desert Classic.
Making his first start of the year, Mickelson shot a bogey-free, 6-under 66 on the Stadium Course at PGA West to get to 22-under 194. He topped the leaderboard for the third straight day after matching his career-low score with an opening 60 at La Quinta Country Club and shooting a 68 on Friday on PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament Course.
The tournament winner in 2002 and 2004, Mickelson rolled in a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-3 13th and added a 15-footer on the par-4 14th.