Lefty in the lead

Defending champion Phil Mickelson took the early lead at the Northern Trust Open, shooting an 8-under 63 early Thursday at Riviera Country Club.
Scott McCarron is currently second at 6 under with one hole to play, with Dean Wilson, Jim Furyk, last week's AT&T winner Dustin Johnson and Luke Donald tied for third at 5 under.
Fan favorite Fred Couples, who won here in 1990 and 1992, shot a 4-under 67.