Golf
Weir, Hanson take charge
2009-06-19 20:43
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Farmingdale - Canada's Mike Weir birdied four of his first seven holes on Friday to share the lead with Sweden's Peter Hanson during the rain-interrupted first round of the US Open at Bethpage Black.
Weir, who began at the 10th hole, jumped to four-under par after nine holes, leaving an eight-foot birdie bid on the lip at the par-3 17th and lipping out at 18, while back-nine starter Hanson birdied three of four starting at 16.
Four-time runner-up Phil Mickelson charged into the hunt for his first US Open title to the cheers of a boisterous crowd, finishing the back nine at one-under par thanks to a roar-inducing 20-foot birdie at 17.
Sun shone upon the 7 246-yard public course for the first time after 1.5 inches of rain limited play to barely three hours on Thursday, improving scoring opportunities for those who could not begin their Open until Friday.
"Conditions are more benign," said Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, who shared the clubhouse lead with US amateur Drew Weaver on one-under 69.
"We're all a little shocked at how well the course has held up."
Hanson and Weir stood on four-under, one stroke ahead of Colombia's Camilo Villegas and two atop Americans Kenny Perry, April's Masters runner-up, and Sean O'Hair with three-time major winner Mickelson among a host at one-under.