US Open: Long, good Friday in New York

Mike Weir - so successful with the rescue club (Pictures: Mark Pictures: Mark Newcombe/www.visionsingolf.com)

  Former European Tour pro Andrew Raitt offers an expert insight into the US Open and what you can learn.

WITN THE US Open eventually in full swing after the downpours of Thursday suspended play, it was clear that those with delayed afternoon start times had the best of the draw and those, including Tiger and Harrington, had much ground to make up.

For a pro it was a beautiful golfing day to tackle the test that has been set by the USGA at Bethpage Park near New York. The fairways are soft, greens are holding and the rain has meant that the normally scary fast surfaces are running at a pace that means we can be more aggressive with our putts.

Mickelson - made a few errors

Mike Weir, the former US Masters champion from Canada set the pace with a magnificent 64 in the first round. He's a very tidy and precise golfer. He doesn't have the power of many of the top players, but, much like Christian Cevear who won the European Open recently, hits a lot of shots with his rescue clubs - a great invention for those who need the loft and forgiveness in a long iron.

The left-hander hit one shot stone dead from the rough on the par-4 15th, almost holed another from 216 yards on a par-3 and nearly chipped in with this hybrid club from the edge of the green late on in his round. It's a versatile club that certain lives up to it 'utility' tag.

Phil Mickelson, despite his short break from the game, looked like he was swinging really well but made a few errors which cost him valuable ground, including a lost a ball using a rescue club on the par-5 13th.

But he's well placed on one under par with only seven holes left of his second round and appears to be playing within himself and set for a good tournament.

Peter Hanson - making the most of his unusual qualification

Fisher had a disappointing opening level par 70 but has picked up two shots to par after 11 of his second round. A good finish today, when he completes his round, will put them in great position.

Tiger Woods looked to have a battle yesterday. A bad start was followed by a fighting stretch of holes that got him back to level par with four holes to play, before in very unlike Tiger fashion, he dropped four shots. He knows, as does Harrington that he will need to shoot something in the 60s if he is going to have any chance of retaining the trophy he won so dramatically last year.

And not to be discounted are Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell. With scores of 70 and 69 respectively in the worst of the conditions, they are obviously in form and will be hoping for some more friendly conditions today so they can attack the course and chase some of the birdies that definitely out there.

Looks like a fascinating day ahead. Can't wait!

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