Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez reacts after putting on the 3rd green during the third day of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George's golf course Sandwich, England, Saturday, July 16, 2011.
Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez reacts after putting on the 3rd green during the third day of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George's golf course Sandwich, England, Saturday, July 16, 2011. Peter Morrison, Associated Press

By Associated Press

SANDWICH, England — Phil Mickelson has surged into a share of the lead at the British Open.

Lefty got off to a brilliant start Sunday at Royal St. George's, making three birdies and an eagle on the first seven holes to pull even with Darren Clarke at 5 under. His play was especially impressive given the 30 mph gusts whipping across the seaside course.

Dustin Johnson is two strokes back, dropping a shot when he missed a 5-footer to take bogey at the third. Another American, Rickie Fowler, started with five straight pars and is still three shots off the pace.

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Anthony Kim and Thomas Bjorn are at 1 under. Miguel Angel Jimenez fell out of contention with a triple-bogey at the fourth.

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