ARDMORE, Pa. (AP) — Even for Phil Mickelson, his path to the top of the leaderboard Thursday in the U.S. Open was unconventional.
He traveled about 2,400 miles in the air and 7,000 yards on the ground. He carried five wedges but no driver.
Some 17 hours later, Mickelson had a 3-under 67 to match his best opening round in the U.S. Open.
Mickelson returned from his daughter’s eighth-grade graduation about 3 1/2 hours before his tee time.
Because of two rain delays, the first round won’t be completed until today. Mickelson won’t have to tee it up again for another 24 hours.
Tiger Woods faced a tougher road. He appeared to hurt his left hand after trying to gouge out of the deep rough on the opening hole. He grimaced and shook his left wrist again after hitting a 5- wood out of the rough on the fifth hole.
Luke Donald was 4-under through 13 holes, making one last birdie before leaving the course. The first round was to resume at 7:15 a.m. Friday, and the forecast called for drier weather for the rest of the week.
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