US Open Friday Update: Woods, Mickelson, and Others

As you might expect, the US Open is playing a little bit easier than it would otherwise.  The rain yesterday has really softened up the course and made scoring much easier.  The greens here at Bethpage Black are relatively flat and not nearly as treacherous as other Open venues.  Bethpage Black is the anti-Pinehurst #2.  Pinehurst #2 Opens are decided on the Donald Ross green mazes. 

Bethpage Black is more about ball striking and iron play to elevated greens.  There is no wiggle room that will help you finesse a ball to the green.  The ball has to be flown to the putting surface or risk deep trouble. 

So far, it seems like Phil Mickelson and Camilo Villegas are both striking the ball well and putting well.  Mickelson recevies very big ovations at every green and tee.  He really does seem to be relishing in the applause from the crowds.

David Duval is another player receiving a warm welcome at every hole.  Duval's struggles have long been documented and the crowds are well aware of his rise and fall.  He made the turn at even par and has birdied four and six to get into red figures and a tie for fourth.

Tiger Woods, for his part, did not seem to feed off of the crowd's admiration.  He did not putt well at all.  He three jacked the ball on 16 today and appears to still be looking to find the touch after the long layoff.  He did not win Memorial with the flat stick and it showed in his two-day round one.

Mike Weir is proving that the shorter players in the field can thrive here despite the rain last night.  He is playing very well so far today.

For the whole field, missing the fairways still create some chances to reach the greens, but it has to be all carry.  If - and that's a big if - the course firms up over the next few days, there will not be much chance to have good play from out of the rough here.