Phil Mickelson starts well at Honda Classic

After a balky putter let him down through the first few tournaments of the year, Phil Mickelson went back to the practice green.

On Thursday morning, he returned to action at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“I’m ready to get out and test the work that I’ve put in to see what the score is,” he said.

So far, so good.

Mickelson started with a bogey at the PGA National but quickly followed with a pair of birdies and stood tied for second at one-under par midway through the first round.

Rory Sabbatini held the lead at three-under.

That second-place pack also included Rickie Folwer, Martin Kaymer and Zach Johnson.

“I can putt as great as possible back home,” Mickelson said before the tournament. “But until you come out on Thursday ... it won’t matter.”