Phil Mickelson shares the lead after the first round of the Scottish Open, having shot a 6-under-par 65 yesterday. Mickelson had five birdies in the British Open warm-up at Loch Lomond …

“We all had a great day to score low,” Mickelson told the media. “There wasn’t much wind, and the greens were putting very well. It’s a good test of golf and it was fun to play well the first day.”

Neal Lancaster shot a 7-under 64 yesterday for the early lead at the John Deere Classic. Local favorite Zach Johnson, playing just an hour away from his hometown, carded a 1-under 70 to go six strokes off the lead …

Meanwhile, Se Ri Pak is once again ahead of the field at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. The four-time winner shot an 8-under 63 Thursday for the lead and the best opening round in tournament history …

It’s important to pay close attention to the designer of the golf course when buying golf course property, Adam Cardais writes at GolfCourseRealty.com.