AUGUSTA, Ga. — Phil Mickelson strolled to the interview area with a huge smile, asking: “How’s it going, guys?”

The temptation was to reply: “Wait, didn’t you just shoot 79?”

Mickelson had a rough Friday at the Masters, but he was hardly alone. Tiger Woods came home in 75, barely making the cut. First-round leader Jordan Spieth retreated with a 2-over-par 74, and Thomas Pieters snapped his driver over his right knee on his 36th and final hole.

But the breezy day also yielded many red figures:

Running is not permitted on the grounds at Augusta National, sir. But Patrick Reed was wise to jog to his ball on 16, lest it carry down the slope. That’s the kind of local knowledge we’d expect from a man who led Augusta State’s golf team to NCAA titles in 2010 and 2011.

Considering his schooling and his ferocity at the Ryder Cup, Reed’s performances at the Masters have been dismal. He had missed the cut twice in four tries and never broken 70 before Thursday’s first round.

Reed said his poor performances have helped him understand that at times, chipping it to 8 feet is a good thing . “rather than trying to make a miracle chip where you hit it in the water or have to chip it again.”

Reed (69-66), who leads Marc Leishman by two shots after making birdie on all eight par 5s, would be something of a polarizing champion. Many on these grounds believe the reports that he left the University of Georgia over theft and on-course cheating accusations, both of which he has denied.

Noted frenemies/besties Woods and Mickelson both had a rough go. At one point Mickelson was one shot out of the lead. Then he played pinball on No. 9 after pulling his drive. His attempted escape slammed into a tree, prompting him to take an unplayable. From there he scooted an approach that missed the green, flopped short and . on and on it went.

“It’s disappointing,” said Mickelson, 47. “As you get older, you feel a bit more pressure each time . Given as well as I’ve been playing, I thought this was a great year, a great opportunity.”

Mickelson (70-79) made the cut on the number, while Woods (73-75) had one shot to spare. Woods’ double bogey on 5, caused by a blocked drive and overcooked approach into the bushes, reflected his tough day.

“I didn’t hit the irons well at all - didn’t control my distances or shapes,” Woods said. “I’ll have to shoot a special weekend and need help (to win).”

Leishman delivered the shot of the day, rope-hooking his approach to the 15th green, a 5 iron from 210 yards that settled to 6 feet. He made the eagle and shot 67.

“I practice that shot every week,” the Australian said.

Rain is expected to fall Saturday, perhaps all afternoon. It could make for a long day — or long Sunday.