PACIFIC PALISADES, California: World No 2 Phil Mickelson will aim to become the first player to win the Northern Trust Open three years in a row when he tees off in Thursday's opening round at Riviera Country Club.

The American lefthander has always enjoyed playing on the classic par-71 layout but he will need to bury memories of his faltering finish at last week's San Diego Open where he made his first competitive appearance of the year.

Mickelson had been in a good position to challenge for the title at Torrey Pines after starting Sunday's final round just four strokes off the pace but his bid stalled with three bogeys in the first three holes.