Tiger's #1 Ranking in Danger

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»

(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»

'News is a punch in the gut' for golf's summer TV ratings

(NEWSER) - It will be a brave new world for televised golf with Tiger Woods out of commission for the summer and fall, and it's not a future networks want to be living in, Golf.com notes. "Let's be realistic here: This news is a punch in the gut," says CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz. Other players get their chance at glory—but audiences will be limited. More»

Tiger devotees and Mickelson maniacs are polar opposites

(NEWSER) - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are as contrasting a pair as Coke and Pepsi, at least in terms of the following each draws, CBS Sportsline reports. The only sound that could drown out the "Mickelsonic boom" that has been following the San Diego native is the roar of excitement Tiger is accustomed to. Can the fan bases coexist this weekend? More»