Loch Lomond fillip for British Open hopeful Mickelson

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, July 12 (Reuters) World number three Phil Mickelson made a confident start to his British Open preparations by grabbing a share of the lead on 65 early in the first round of the warm-up event at Loch Lomond.

The American left-hander, who started at the 10th hole, fired an eagle and five birdies in the Scottish Open today to join playing partner Graeme Storm of Britain and Dane Soren Hansen on six under par.

''We had a great day to score low,'' Mickelson told reporters.

''There wasn't much wind and, even though it's a little cool, the greens were putting very well.

''This afternoon over the last few holes, the wind started to pick up and it was a little more challenging. But the course is so much fun to play and I love the way it has been set up.'' Mickelson, who has been struggling with an injury to his left wrist, missed the cut in his previous two PGA Tour events.

''Last week (at the Tiger Woods-hosted invitational tournament) at Congressional I started to hit the ball a lot better,'' he said.

''I putted very poorly but it was the first time I started to really feel comfortable with the swing changes I've been making with (coach) Butch (Harmon).'' LOW SHOT The 37-year-old American explained that he had been working with Harmon to try to develop the shots he would need to challenge in the British Open at Carnoustie next week.

''The last few months with Butch we've been working on the low shot, and I did a number of them today, and I feel very confident I will be able to keep a lot of drives in play next week at Carnoustie.

''The one area I have always struggled with over here is off the tee. You don't need to hit the ball hard, you don't need to hit the ball high, you need to hit the ball lower and take advantage of the firm ground.'' Englishman Storm, 29, winner of the French Open earlier this month, said he had been on tenterhooks about the prospect of playing alongside Mickelson.

''It was awesome,'' said Storm. ''I was quite nervous at the start of the day because he is a big player to be playing with.

''He is an absolute gentleman on the course and he was quite interested to find out where I was from and we were chatting about different things.'' Hansen, runner-up to Storm at the French Open, also spoke in glowing terms but this time about the local scenery.

''This is a fantastic place and has always inspired me to play good golf,'' said the 33-year-old.

''This is just one of the most beautiful courses I have ever been on.'' Sharing fourth place on 66 were Finn Mikko Ilonen, Marcel Siem of Germany and Briton Mark Foster.

Twice former US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal pulled out of the tournament with an injury to his left knee, the Spaniard saying it could keep him out of the British Open.

Reuters BJR VV2137