Phil Mickelson played some audacious golf but stayed on track for a second consecutive PGA Tour victory by ending Saturday's third round of the Northern Trust Open in a tie for the lead. Winner of last week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the American left-hander ground out a one-under-par 70 in dazzling afternoon sunshine at Riviera Country Club to finish level with compatriot Keegan Bradley (66). Bradley, who clinched his first major title at last year's PGA Championship, birdied two of the last three holes to match the day's lowest score and join Mickelson at the top. Americans Bryce Molder (66), Jonathan Byrd (69) and Pat Perez (70) were a further stroke back in a tie for third at six under. “I feel very comfortable out there,” Bradley said after recording six birdies and one bogey. “I love the golf course. It fits my eye very well and I seem to be able to figure out these greens, which makes it a lot easier.”
