Phil Mickelson arrived at Merion Golf Club about four hours before his 7:11 a.m. tee time and still managed to shoot a 3-under 67 for the clubhouse lead at Thursday's opening round of the U.S. Open.
''I might have used just a little caffeine booster at the turn just to keep me sharp,'' Mickelson said. ''But that was our ninth hole or so, and I just wanted to make sure I had enough energy.''
Mickelson flew overnight from San Diego after watching his oldest daughter's eighth-grade graduation, where she was one of the featured speakers. At first, he was a little shaky. But after rolling a birdie putt 8 feet past his first hole and putting his tee shot in the rough at his second, he settled himself -helped by a little more sleep during a rain delay.
It was his lowest opening round since 1999 in a championship he's never won, even though he keeps coming close. He's been runner-up a record five times.
''If I'm able - and I believe I will - if I'm able to ultimately win a U.S. Open, I would say that it's great. ... But if I never get that win, then it would be a bit heartbreaking,'' Mickelson said.
By the time Mickelson tapped in a par to complete his round, the sun had replaced clouds, and putters had long replaced squeegees. Drenching storms caused a 3 1/2-hour delay, halting play less than two hours after it began.
