Mickelson makes stunning start to Friday with four straight birdies

Phil Mickelson made a flying start to his second round at the Northern Trust as he birdied the first four holes on his way to a two-shot lead early on day two.

The five-time major champion, in the news this week after sealing a lucrative exhibition match with Tiger Woods and belatedly joining Twitter, carded a solid three-under 68 on Thursday at the first FedEx Cup playoff event.

Mickelson then improved his position significantly on Friday morning in New Jersey, making gains on each of his first four holes after starting on the ninth.

His sensational start could have been even more impressive, too, with his tee shot at the par-three 11th landing less than three feet from the hole.

Mickelson's progress was checked by a bogey at the 13th, but he bounced back with another birdie at the next to move two shots clear of a clutch of second-placed players at seven under through six holes.