Barnes Leads After Soggy US Open Round

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»

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»

Carefully planned US Open course might be tough, but it's fair

(NEWSER) - Torrey Pines Golf Course has been preparing for years to host the US Open, and all that care will make for a challenging but fair contest this week, writes the New York Times. The longest US Open course ever, Torrey South boasts three lengths of rough, poa annua greens, and a firm fairway—and a special connection to the favorites. More»