The USGA was all excited about doing this "top-12 golfers together" thing, but it could backfire. Yesterday's afternoon conditions were very mild, and if the wind blows at all today in the afternoon, the Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson-Adam Scott pairing will get the worst of Torrey Pines so far this week.
Sure, they will be battling the conditions together, but the whole point of this (and we all know it) was to land these guys the best conditions so they play well and boost television and interest ratings. I mean, pairing these guys was about ratings and that is it. The USGA doesn't really care who is paired together on Thursday and Friday, do they?
I like Ernie Els position right now. He is one-under for the tournament, two shots behind Justin "Won't Be Anywhere Close to the Leaderboard Tonight" Hicks and will be in the clubhouse before Tiger and Phil even hit their first tee shots.
Also, Luke Donald decided to show up to the party, two-under through seven holes and in second place. I'm convinced nobody is a favorite at the U.S. Open anymore because it plays so tough, and it all lies with who is hitting it the best that week AND gets the most breaks. A plugged ball here, a sunken lie there and you're done.
At days end I think four-under is leading. If you're bored and want to follow along with the mid-afternoon golf, check out my live blog over at Fanhouse. I will be firing it up at 2:30 Eastern from the Denver International Airport. Should be a good time for all, so check in and see what's new.
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