Mickelson withdraws from San Diego event due to back pain

Reuters
Jan 23, 2014; La Jolla, CA, USA; Phil Mickelson watches his second shot on the eighth hole during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports - RTX17RW3

(Reuters) - Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the Farmers Insurance Open after the second round due to muscle pain in his back, the PGA said in a report on its website. San Diego native Mickelson carded a one-over 73 on the South Course at Torrey Pines just outside his hometown to finish on two-under for the tournament, eight adrift of leader Jordan Spieth, but complained of discomfort for the second day in a row. The left-hander's management company confirmed his decision in a statement late on Friday evening, the report said. (Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John O'Brien)