Nissan Open round two: Mickelson? The answer could be blowing in the wind

On the numbers front it’s not looking too hot for Padraig Harrington. He’s been in the lead at the halfway stage of a PGA event just twice and lost out both times. Third time lucky? Unfortunately he’s up against Phil Mickelson, who is 13 from 23 for converted half-time leads.

An even better round by Lefty Friday easily scattered those queueing to lay him at the start of play. “His price is far too short,” they cried. It’s a good bit shorter now guys. I wonder how the punter laying the kitchen sink on Mickelson at 3.9 Friday feels now he’s just over 2.

Interestingly, contrary to expectations, the afternoon crew Friday actually managed to score better than in the morning (70.9 stroke average to 71.3 for AMers). Quality will out.

But these are such dry figures to set against some of the finest golf we’ll see played in a while - Phil’s more accurate driving and bespoke iron work proving more than a match for the Irishman’s scorching putter (1.375 putts per GIR in the second round).

A lot can happen in two days, of course, especially with the likelihood of the wind picking up significantly Saturday. The greens will also likely bake further, so it’s not going to be easy for anyone and it’s eminently possible either or both our leaders will falter (or is Charles Howell III going to be forced to play bridesmaid yet again this weekend?). If they do, there’s no shortage of top class players ready to take over including Robert Allenby, after his strong recovery Friday, and Ernie Els, another to find his game in the Los Angeles sun.

Memories of Winged Foot were said to have been banished after last week’s emphatic win at Pebble Beach, but this weekend presents Not-So-Fat-Phil with his first real US Open style test - of temperament as much as skill - since the debacle, so he hasn’t quite laid the bogey to rest yet. I’ve got a very strong feeling he will though.