Bowditch leads Texas Open; Mickelson withdraws after pulling muscle in side
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Phil Mickelson reacts as he misses an eagle putt on the 14th hole during the third round of the Texas Open golf tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2014, in San Antonio. Mickelson withdrew from the tournament with a pulled muscle. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)
Steven Bowditch opened a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Texas Open, while Phil Mickelson withdrew after 10 holes because of a pulled muscle in his right side.
Bowditch, the 30-year-old Australian seeking his first PGA Tour title, shot a 4-under 68 to reach 12 under at TPC San Antonio. Matt Kuchar and Andrew Loupe were tied for second. Kuchar shot 65, and Loupe had a 70.
Mickelson withdrew after pulling the muscle teeing off on No. 1 — his 10th hole of the round. He hopes to play next week in the Houston Open, the last event before the Masters. Lefty was 1-over par in the round and 4 over overall when he pulled out.