Mickelson survives, thrives in Masters wind

Excerpts of Phil Mickelson’s interview after his first-round, 1-under 71 in the 81st Masters on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club:

Q: How were the conditions for you?

A: Man, I love it. I thought anything at par or better was going to be a great score and it is. But because the greens are receptive, you can make birdies and you can stop balls on the greens and make easy pars on a lot of holes. The problem is there's a lot of holes out here that you can have a big number and you just have to be careful of that.

Q: What did that eagle putt on No. 2 do for you?

A: Oh, that was cool. To make a putt on 2 for eagle and get the round started like that was exciting. But I knew that there were still a lot of tough holes left out there and just trying to make pars was kind of the goal. And then take advantage of some of the par 5s.

Q: Does that remain the goal for Friday too with similar conditions coming?

A: If the conditions stay like this, absolutely. You got to think par first and then if the birdie opportunities are there, then great.

Q: You talked about how you used to not enjoy playing in a lot of wind because of your ball flight and you made the transition through the years. Is that why you are now seeming excited when the wind is up?

A: I love it. I love it around here especially because the wind is going to magnify your misses and a lot of the guys that aren't familiar with this course and where you can go to on certain holes for certain pins will miss in the wrong spot and end up making big numbers. And because it's, because I played here so many times and just kind of know where to go. I might miss it big, but I'll miss it in the right spot and I'll have a good chance to salvage par.