AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Two of the world's best golfers showed hints of weekend rallies early in third round of the Masters Tournament.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson made an early birdie to get to 4-over par and within six shots of the leaders, who tee off later this afternoon. Mickelson, who failed to break par in either of his first two rounds, had completed three holes as of 1 p.m.

Retief Goosen, the world's No. 9 player, made four birdies in his first 11 holes Saturday at Augusta National Golf Club. He was at 2-under for his third round and 6-over for the tournament. Goosen shot a pair of 76s in the opening two rounds.

Augusta's Charles Howell III slipped to 11-over for the tournament early Saturday. He played in the day's first pairing along with Adam Scott and was 3-over for his round through 14 holes.

The tournament favorites tee off early this afternoon. Four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods begins at 1:20 p.m. Woods is five shots back of leaders Tim Clark and Brett Wetterich at 3-over.

Clark and Wetterich are the day's last group and tee off at 3 p.m. Augusta native Vaughn Taylor is a shot behind them and tees off at 2:50 p.m.

Vijay Singh, the 2000 Masters champ, and 18-hole co-leader Justin Rose will start their rounds two strokes off the lead along with Jerry Kelly and Zach Johnson.

Temperatures in the 30s greeted Saturday's early golfers. A brisk wind made it feel even colder. The wind chill factor was 34 degrees as of 11 a.m.

Patrons reacted to the cold accordingly. Augusta National's main souvenir shop, located between the entrance gate and the course entrance, sold out of stocking caps in less than 15 minutes.

The afternoon forecast is for sunny skies and temperatures reaching into the mid-50s.