Dougherty leads U.S. Open, while Mickelson calls Oakmont a 'physical hazard'

Englishman Nick Dougherty shot a 2-under-par 68 at Oakmont Country Club yesterday to take the first round lead at the U.S. Open. A European hasn’t won the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970. Tiger Woods is tied for fifth in a group that includes Geoff Ogilvy and Vijay Singh …

Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson said he’s not sure his wrist, which the world No. 2 golfer injured two weeks ago, will make it through the tournament …

“I’m uncertain whether or not it’s going to hold up on some of the shots out of the rough,” he told the Golf Channel. “I think this course is a physical hazard to the players. I don’t think that that has been very well thought out.”

David Bransdon and David Higgins lead the Saint-Omer Open, both having shot a 6-under 65 yesterday. Simon Nash of Australia is in second place. Bransdon carded six birdies, and Higgins eagled the ninth hole …

Orlando can be a seriously expensive town, but it doesn’t just offer high-priced, upscale daily-fee golf courses. A round of golf in Orlando can be had on the cheap, according to National Golf Editor Tim McDonald.