Cink takes early lead, ailing Mickelson cards a 69

Stewart Cink of the U.S. hits out of a bunker onto the 15th green during the first round of the British Open golf Championship at Muirfield in Scotland July 18, 2013. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

(Reuters) - Stewart Cink, seeking his first PGA Tour title in five years, charged into an early two-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday while Phil Mickelson also moved into contention despite nursing a troublesome back.

Cink, who has not triumphed anywhere since his playoff victory in the 2009 British Open at Turnberry, fired a flawless eight-under-par 64 on the easier North Course, one of two layouts hosting the PGA Tour event.