US Open Golf 2012: Tiger Woods and Top Storylines Heading into Day 2

The opening round of the 2012 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club did not disappoint whatsoever. Tiger Woods made some roars, a 14-year-old shot under 80 and Rory McIlroy looked like a weekend golfer. Yeah, this year's U.S. Open has had many storylines so far.

There is still a lot of golf to be played, but as it stands, only six players are in red figures at the Open.

Nothing beats the excitement of a major, so in the spirit of everything, read on to see the top storylines heading into Day 2.  

Can Michael Thompson Keep Pace

Michael Thompson was the leader after the first round of the U.S. Open at four under. The closest player to him was at one under for the day. 

Thompson had a great round to say the least, but don't expect him to keep up the pace.

That does not mean that his impressive round of 66 will go unnoticed, though. In fact, it is one of the top storylines heading into Day 2 of the tournament.  

Top 3 Players in the World Struggle

The top three players in the world were all in a group together in the first round and they all played pretty poorly.

Lee Westwood wasn't awful at three over. 

However, Luke Donald shot a 79 and Rory McIlroy didn't do much better with a 77.

There is still a lot of golf to be played, but do the world rankings really mean anything? If so, then why did the top three players in the world fare so poorly in the first round of the Open?

Westwood may be in the clear, but McIlroy and Donald really need to pick up their games if they plan on sticking around for the weekend. 

Only 6 Players Shot Under Par on Day 1

Last year's U.S. Open did not play like a U.S. Open. People are not supposed to shoot 16 under in the span of four days, let alone under par in the Open.

That is what makes it so great. Sure, just about anyone can try and qualify for the tournament, but only the best truly wins it.

So, thank you, Olympic Club for playing much tougher than the Congressional Country Club did last year.

Only six players shot in red figures on Thursday, which is just how the U.S. Open should be. Hopefully tomorrow, these red figures start to dwindle away because there is nothing like seeing a professional golfer shoot over par in a golf tournament.  

Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson Most Likely Won't Be Around for the Weekend

No matter how bad Phil Mickelson is playing heading into a major, he is still one of the favorites to win it. Well, Mickelson is going to have to make up a lot of ground if he wants to even play on Saturday and Sunday, let alone win the 2012 U.S. Open.

As for Bubba Watson, he kind of won the 2012 Masters and all, which made him an instant favorite to take home the trophy this weekend. 

That is why the game is played because Mickelson is at six over and Watson is at eight over entering the second round at the Olympic Club. I guess the visor look doesn't fly at this golf course. 

Tiger Woods Shot His Way into 2nd Place

Tiger Woods could have shot an 80 on Thursday and he would still be the top story. However, he shot a 69.

Woods is at one under, which leaves him tied for second place. 

This is huge for Woods to say the least. If he can somehow win the 2012 U.S. Open, the golf world will be restored and Mr. Woods will be considered the greatest golfer once again.

Tiger had two bogeys on the day, but his three birdies are what made his round.

Expect some Tiger roars not only today, but the rest of the weekend as well. 

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