2010 US Open Round Two Thoughts

I was knocked offline last night by a tremendous storm—and my television went out also, so I missed the last few holes of Mickelson’s rebound. But from the holes I saw, it was vintage Phil, and it’s why he’s so fascinating and infuriating. He can go out and lay an egg on round one, with no birds on the card, and then come back with a 66 the next.

66. On a US Open Course.

While I was playing golf with my student teacher and a friend from school on Thursday, I mentioned that my ideal final pairing would be Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. That way, I wouldn’t care who won and could just enjoy the final round. While I was sitting in the dark last night, my student teacher texted me saying “Ernie and Phil. You called it.”

I think it’s a possibility right now.

I was impressed, on one late round hole I did see, that Phil called off Bones and went with a three wood—playing it safe on a tricky par 5.

How about that hole #14. It’s making the world’s best look like high handicapper amateurs. First one side, then the other, then back to the original spot. Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and YE Yang all looked like buffoons there. It cost Yang the cut.

Part of the problem, I think, is that they were all playing to the flag, and it was in a horrible spot. In that situation, their only thought had to be to get it back on the green at any cost. Those guys are not going to three putt from any spot on a green, so just get it on.

Tiger didn’t look good. Again. The media is still saying that he’s got a chance, but I think that’s wishful thinking.

Interesting tidbit: Since WWII, South Africa was won more majors than any country in the World except the United States.

Notables missing the cut: Adam Scott, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogivly, Brian Gay, Hunter Mahan

Tom Watson made the cut on the line.

Of my fantasy picks, Brian Gay and Hunter Mahan missed the cut. The other eight are playing on the weekend. Two of my picks, Phil and Dustin Johnson are T2. Two others, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood are T16. Not too bad.

Looking forward to today’s round. But I’m disappointed that there’s no coverage until 4 pm. Hopefully there will be no more storms and the power stays on.