Because Augusta National’s greens are playing slower than he can remember, Phil Mickelson said he needs to change his mindset for Friday’s second round.

Mickelson, three-time Masters champ, finished 1 under on Thursday, struggling to a 2-over on the first nine – something he predicted on Tuesday would happen – and striking the ball solidly on the second nine for a 3-under.

“… I’ve get to get after these pins because the balls not running like it used to and I’m giving this course way too much respect based upon my past knowledge,” he said.

Mickelson told a TV crew that he felt he lost ground to those in the field who took advantage of the scoring conditions, but seemed to change his mind a few minutes.

“It was a round that didn’t help me much, but certainly didn’t hurt me,” he said. Mickelson is scheduled to tee off at 10:23 a.m. Friday.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez