Boston.Com has a post on five things to watch for at the US Open.

Post your comments on the third round here. I’m actually watching it live today (almost—I’m half an hour behind, but catching up fast at the commercials).

I plan on doing a live blog tomorrow.

My first thought: there could be some real separation here today.

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.

I’m desperately trying to catch up with my Tivo recording of the US Open Day Two. Right now, in my world, Phil is on a birdie streak. But you’re likely ahead of me. Don’t worry about spoilers. Just leave your comments below:

I’m in the process of watching a Tivo replay of round one of the US Open and thought I’d jot down a few thoughts.

This just might be the year a British player wins it. At the end of the day, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey (the world’s number 8 and 9, respectively) are right there.

Phil’s putting is killing him. I just watched him miss a completely makable putt on the fourth (his 13th, since he started on the back). I think that’s more of a factor than his supposed bad decisions. But at +4, I think he’s already out of the tournament. He’ll make the cut, but I don’t know if he can get into contention.

But Phil is ever-positive, saying that all he needs is an under par round on Friday, since a score over par will be the eventual winner at Pebble Beach.

Eldrick Woods didn’t play any better. Neither he, nor Mickelson, made a birdie. And I’m sick of hearing the announcers talk about Tiger. He’s not going to win this one.

KJ Choi seems to agree with Mickelson’s assessment that even par would win it: “Every day,” he said, “even par is a good situation.”

There’s no magic for Tom Watson here. He won’t make the cut.

Dustin Johnson, winner of the last two Pebble Beach Pro Ams, could add another Pebble Beach title to his resume. I heard a lot of players and analysts say today that the Pro-Am really doesn’t prepare you for the US Open, but Dustin clearly is very comfortable here.

Its late. I’m giving up.

Jim Furyk is looking pretty good. He could be there at the end.

Shaun Micheel might not be a one-hit wonder. But I’m not yet convinced.

Brendon De Jonge?

Rafael Cabrera Bello?

US Open pairings often are fun, as the USGA expresses its often non-existent sense of humor in the groupings. In the past, they’ve created what fans and sportswriters recognized as the “jerk” group, or the “best players to not win a Major group,” and so on. This year, I can immediately see a couple, although they’re pretty mild: There’s a past winners group of Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, and Angel Cabrera and an All-Aussie group of Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, and Robert Allenby.

Sergio, Steve Stricker and Paul Casey might be in the “best not to win a major group.” Phil, Yang and Harrington might be the Tiger’s Enemies list. Stewart Cink, Ben An, Lucas Glover are all reigning champs—of the Open Championship, US Amateur and US Open.

They didn’t pair Tiger with Phil, but they did stick him in a group with two solid family men, Ernie Els and Lee Westwood. I wonder if that’s an accident, or if they’re simply pairing the slumping superstar with a couple of rising players. Ernie had a hot beginning of the year, and Lee has been playing very well of late.

The complete list is below. See if you can spot any trends and leave a comment: