Phil Mickelson shoots 4-under 68

HUMBLE, Texas -- Phil Mickelsonturned ina bogey-free, 4-under-par 68 inthefirst round of the Houston Open on Thursday, showing no effects of the muscle pull that forced him to withdraw from last week's Texas Open.

The five-time major winner, who practiced at Augusta National for two days this week in advance ofnext week'sMasters, was two shotsbehindearly leaders Keegan Bradley and Matt Kuchar; both finished at 6-under 66. J.B. Holmes was also at 6 under after 17 holes.

Mickelson and Bradley were part of a threesome with Webb Simpson, who also finished at 4 under. All three players navigated the 7,441-yard Golf Club of Houston layout without a bogey.

Stewart Cink finished his morning round with a 5-under 67.br/]