Phil Mickelson has hit a second round of 70 to give him a one-shot lead at the Northern Trust Open.

Mickelson hit 66 on the first round to set the pace, and the four-time major champion's second round was enough to hold off his closest rival Pat Perez, who hit a 65.

The former world number two is aiming to win back-to-back events for the fourth time in his career following his success at Pebble Beach last weekend, and is also looking to win the Northern Trust Open for the third time, having previously won the event in 2008 and 2009.

"I've got to go out and shoot some low scores because they're out there, but I gave myself a good opportunity, which is what's so fun about competing and playing the tour is those opportunities on the weekend," Mickelson told the PGA Tour's official website.

Mickelson is due to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in May.