Torrey Pines 'a lot easier today' for Mickelson

Phil Mickelson took advantage of the ideal weather Saturday at the Farmers Insurance Open, carding a 4-under-par round of 68 to move within four shots of leader Patrick Rodgers.

Mickelson, one of the few big names to make the cut, made five birdies and one bogey in his round. Wet, windy, and cold conditions greeted the players the first two rounds, but not Saturday.

"For everybody, it was a lot easier today," said the 42-time PGA Tour winner. "We didn't have the same wind, the sun came out, beautiful weather, and you can't have a better golf course than Torrey Pines."

The 46-year-old hit just six fairways Saturday, compared to the eight he recorded in his second round, but felt he struck the ball better on moving day.

"I've been really trying to address in the offseason, trying to fix my lower body and being more stable on the longer stuff. Yesterday, I drove the ball really well, hit a lot of really good shots and even though I probably hit more fairways yesterday than today, I hit a lot more solid iron shots."

Mickelson returned to PGA Tour action last week at the CareerBuilder after undergoing multiple surgeries in the offseason, and feels he's close to feeling normal with regards to his health.

"I think next week I'll be 100 percent health-wise."