Weir Shoots Record 64 at Blackpage in First Round at The Open

Canadian Mike Weir took advantage of the damp conditions, after rain soaked Blackpage Black yesterday, with a record 6-under 64 in the first round of the U.S. Open. He made a three-putt double bogey at No. 6, but closed his round with consecutive birdies. Not since Nick Faldo's 66 in 2002 has the lowest round been recorded at the treacherous course near Long Island, New York.

Weir, who won the 2003 Masters, has three top 10s this year and his best finish at the Open was tied for second.

The other lefty player, Phil Mickelson, was three strokes back of Weir after 13 holes, but started to fade after missing short putts on the back nine. He shot a 1-under 69.

"The soft conditions are great," Mickelson said. "The balls that hit the fairways are staying in the fairways."

The big surprise of the opening round was the play of David Duval. The former British Open winner shot a 3-under 67 to match his best U.S. Open score ever. Duval, who is currently ranked 882 in the world, has never finished in the top 10 at the Open.

Tiger Woods, however, didn't play very well on the damp conditions. He shot a 4-over 74 and finished five shots off the pace and slid further as the day went on. His playing partners, Masters champ Angel Cabrera finished 4 over, while British Open and PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington shot a 6-over 76.

The weather over the next couple of days is looking bleak and the USGA was already preparred for a Monday finish. Even a Tuesday finish is not being overlooked. The U.S. Open hasn't had a Monday finish without a playoff since 1983.

The second round started late Friday afternoon, but with darkness coming soon, the reality of establishing the cut by day's end is doubtful. As of 6:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the cut is projected at 4 over. However, that number could increase and it all depends upon Mother Nature to see when the field will officially be cut.