DUSTIN JOHNSON

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dustin Johnson sank a 65-foot birdie putt in shooting a bogey-free 7-under 64 to build a one-shot lead over Andres Romero and Kevin Stadler at the Northern Trust Open on Thursday.

“Had good vibes going all day, and just hit the ball really good all day long,” Johnson said.

Romero had good vibes going, too. The dynamic Argentine had eight birdies to offset a double bogey on the ninth hole when he didn't listen to his caddie. Romero finished with four straight birdies for a 65. Stadler had the best score among late starters, opening with a 30 on the back nine. He played the final eight holes in 1 over.

Brandt Snedeker, coming off a runner-up finish last week at the Farmers Insurance Open, and Ricky Barnes were at 66. Steve Stricker had a 67 despite a three-putt bogey at No. 3, missing his par putt from 2 feet when he couldn't get the sound of a nearby jackhammer out of his head.

David Duval and Ernie Els were in the large group at 68.

Phil Mickelson thought he might be among the leaders. Going for an unprecedented third straight victory at Riviera, he was 3 under midway through his round. He finished with three bogeys over his last four holes – the exception was a 6-foot birdie putt he missed – and wound up with a 1-over 72.

“I had it right there with five or six holes to go, and I let it go,” Mickelson said.