US Open Golf 2012 Leaderboard: Live Reaction on Tiger Woods and More Top Golfers

The 2012 US Open is well underway and a number of elite golfers have already started their quest to capture a major.

Tiger Woods began play at 10:33 a.m. ET, and all eyes were on the three-time champion, along with the threesome that was rounded out by superstars Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.

Woods has been cautious through the first nine, choosing to slowly make his way up and down Olympic Club in San Francisco with irons rather than a driver. It has worked well so far and the favorite is currently even.

If he can keep this type of play up and get birdies when they count, it will put him in position to win on Sunday. He’s got to be careful on certain holes, such as 14, which he bogeyed.

24-year-old Branden Grace is the current leader and hit an eagle on 17 to bring him to three-under par through 10 holes. He’s going to have to work hard to hold onto the position, especially considering his inexperience.

Phil Mickelson has had a tough go and is currently four-over through nine holes. He’s missing putts, cannot find the fairway on drives and is making life difficult for himself time and time again.

If Lefty cannot gain his composure, get better off the tee and fix his short game, there is a strong chance he will wind up getting cut.

There are still a number of great golfers that have yet to tee off, including Rory McIlroy—last year’s champion, Casey Martin, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Rickie Fowler.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report’s golf page throughout the day for the latest updates, news, opinions, reaction and analysis during the 2012 US Open. 

Check out the most current leaderboard here.