NORTON, Mass. Two drivers at the Masters. No drivers at the U.S. Open.

Phil Mickelson threw in yet another surprise Thursday at the Deutsche Bank Championship with a belly putter in his golf bag, saying he likely was to become the next in a growing list of players to see if it will help make more putts.

"It's awkward to me," Mickelson said after his pro-am round at the TPC Boston. "But so many guys have had success with it that I thought I'd give it a try."

The longer putters have been getting more attention, especially after Keegan Bradley, 25, became the first player to win a major with one at the PGA Championship.

Mickelson, once renowned for a silky putting stroke, has been struggling several years on shorter distances.

Not only has he been a mentor to Bradley this year, but Mickelson also played with the rookie last week at The Barclays and began grilling him about a putter in which the end of the grip anchors into the stomach.

Mickelson had one built to similar specifications as Bradley and received his new toy Monday. Then, he called Bradley over the past few days to ask questions how to use it.

It didn't work out for him during the pro-am when Mickelson took 34 putts, including 18 on his opening nine.

"I was a little shady with it on the front nine, but a little bit better with it on the back," he said. "Look, I don't mind trying new things. I've hit two drivers and no drivers, and I don't mind trying something different. We'll see."

One week later, he is willing to try it in the second FedEx Cup playoff event.

Mickelson dropped five spots to No. 11 in the standings. The idea is to at least get into the top five before the Tour Championship at the end of the month as he tries to win the FedEx Cup and the $10 million first prize.

The Deutsche Bank Championship will end Labor Day.

European Tour: Nick Dougherty shot an 8-under 63 Thursday to lead Rory McIlroy by two shots after one round of the European Masters in Crans-Sur-Sierre, Switzerland.

The Englishman had eight birdies during a bogey-free round. McIlroy had five birdies in his first eight holes. It's McIlroy's first tournament since injuring his right wrist three weeks ago.

"It's totally fine," McIlroy said. "I'm able to hit all the shots I want to and not lose any distance."

Martin Kaymer, Lee Sung and Gary Boyd also were two shots behind the leader.