Mickelson, Horschel Tied Atop U.S. Open Leader Board
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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images(ARDMORE, Pa.) — Darkness halted second round play at Merion Golf Club on Friday with Phil Mickelson and Billy Horschel tied atop the leader board of the U.S. Open.
Both Mickelson and Horschel shot a 1-under 139 to remain tied for the lead after two days of play.
The horn sounded to signal that play had been suspended while Mickelson was on the 18th hole. Since the rules allow a player to complete the hole, he birdied it to pull even with Horschel.
“It felt great. I wasn’t expecting birdie there,” Mickelson said. “It’s a very difficult hole. I got shut out today. I played really well. Even though I shot 2 over, it was the birdie opportunities that I didn’t capitalize on. Had I made one on 2 or that birdie on 8 or 9 or 11, I would have changed kind of the momentum of the round. I played well today even though I didn’t feel the score was what I thought it should be.”
Luke Donald, Steve Stricker, and Justin all finished before play was suspended, and they sit just one stroke back of the lead.
Tiger Woods finished the day with an even-par 70. Despite battling a left elbow injury, he currently sits in a tie for 17th place
68 players must complete the second round on Saturday morning before a 36-hole cut, expected to come at 8 over, is made. Play is scheduled to resume Saturday at 7:15 a.m. E.T.
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