Take Me To Post Comment Form AUGUSTA – Watch out for Phil.

Lefty made a steady climb up the leaderboard Friday, jumping from an 11th-place tie all the way to a tie for third. Mickelson fired a 4-under 68, three shots better than his opening-round outing, and sits at 5-under, three shots off the lead.

Most of the media folks think Phil has a solid chance of picking up his third green jacket in five years. If so he’d become the eighth man to win at least three Masters.

Then there’s always Tiger, who actually hit his second shot on 18 into the 10th fairway – his only option with his tee shot buried in the trees. Tiger being Tiger, he landed his ball amazingly close to the hole, then saved par with a short putt. Tiger said the swirling winds wreaked havoc on the course Friday afternoon, and he’s tied for 18th at 1-under.

Steve Flesch was a surprise Friday, carding a 5-under 67 – the best round of the tournament. That put him in a tie with Ian Poulter and Mickelson for third place.

Random Flesch fact: Ten years ago, he became the first left-hander to win the PGA Tour’s rookie of the year.

There’s a 60 percent chance of rain for Saturday and cold and windy conditions are on tap for Sunday, so everyone’s anxious to see how things will play out – and whether or not Phil and Tiger will continue ascending the leaderboard.