Woods, Mickelson struggle early at U.S. Open, with two little-known players leading

The opening-round grouping of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott sucked up much of the attention at the U.S. Open yesterday, but the lead went to two near-unknowns. Kevin Streelman and Justin Hicks, both outside the top 600 in the world rankings, shot 3-under 68 yesterday to go ahead of the pack by a stroke at Torrey Pines. Woods carded a 1-over 72, Mickelson a 71 …

“To make two double bogeys and a three-putt and only be four back, that’s a great position to be in, because I know I can clean that up tomorrow,” Woods told reporters.

Meanwhile, at GolfEurope.com, Brandon Tucker writes about Royal North Devon Golf Club in England.