Five-time Major winning Phil Mickelson provided one of the best quotes on the second day of the 2015 Wells Fargo Championship.

Mickelson grabbed seven birdies in a round of 66 to move into a share of fifth place and tied with World No. 1 Rory McIlroy on seven under par.

And a strong aspect of Mickelson’s game this week has been his putting in managing just 24 putts on day one and 27 on day two here at Quail Hollow.

Phil Mickelson starts thinking he’s a painter painting a canvass. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

But when asked after his round what has he done  to improve that aspect of his game Mickelson provided one of his best responses in some time.

“I had a great hour or so with Dave Stockton at the Masters and we just talked about just – kind of in my mind have like a painter, just painting canvass and it just gets me out of the methodical science part of putting and more into the artistic mood,” said Mickelson.

The effort over the two rounds of the event is his second lowest over the first two rounds in 12 straight appearances in the event since making his debut in 2004.

Mickelson’s prior best opening two scores was nine under par in 2011 while his best Wells Fargo finish was second in 2010 behind McIlroy.