In Tiger's Pain, a More Human Face

Graeme McDowell takes top honors

(AP) - When Phil Mickelson made his birdie attempt from off the green on the opening hole yesterday, the gallery roared its approval. The fans were prepared to see Lefty charge. They did the same every time Ernie Els or Tiger Woods made a move, creating a rumble of energy through Pebble Beach at the US Open. By the end, those roars were reserved for unknown Graeme McDowell on the 18th green as the new US Open champ. Lefty, Ernie, and Tiger were nowhere to be found. Key bogeys had dropped the big names out of the running. More»

Woods could still pull off victory, but it's a long shot

(NEWSER) - Tiger Woods still has a shot at victory at the US Open, but it would take a record-tying comeback. And to do that Woods would need incredible focus, because some soused spectators have been working on a distracting new hazard at Bethpage Black: extensive heckling. The rowdy crowd may be getting to Woods, writes Newsday. More»

(AP) - Rain prevented Ricky Barnes from teeing off in the third round at Bethpage State Park this afternoon. But the 2002 US Amateur champion set the US Open 36-hole scoring record earlier by finishing two trips around the course in 8-under 132. He completed his second round this morning, making three birdies in nine holes for a 65. Tiger Woods, meanwhile, remained well off the leaderboard on a soggy course. More»

(AP) - Tiger Woods couldn't get off the course fast enough. Mike Weir, Lucas Glover, Ricky Barnes, and Phil Mickelson were among those at the US Open and thrilled they didn't have to leave until it was too dark to continue. Despite a double bogey on his back nine, Weir closed with back-to-back birdies for a 6-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead over Peter Hanson of Sweden and the lowest score in the US Open in 6 years. More»

2nd-round cut pushed to Saturday at earliest

(NEWSER) - The first round of the US Open lasted just three hours today before rain made Bethpage Black unplayable, Golf.com reports. Play was suspended until 7:30am tomorrow, though more wet weather is forecast for Long Island. Four players shared the lead at 1 under par, but none had played more than 11 holes. More»