The Return of Rocco Mediate

Many would have guessed Rocco Mediate's 15 minutes of fame had passed him by once Tiger Woods snuck by him at the 18-hole playoff in the US Open last month. Mediate's carefree attitude and wonderful play won over the fans and nearly won him a national championship. At 45, it would seem that opportunities to win majors wouldn't come by very often. But, it appears something bigger is going on with the lovable Mediate, who continued the best streak of his life with an opening round 69 (-1) at Royal Birkdale. The red number he posted made him one of only three players to break par and gave the States a potential hopeful to rally around with Tiger Woods not present.

For those wondering if Phil Mickelson would take advantage with the opportunity presented to him with Tiger's injury, they got their answer early on. You can't win a major in Round One, but you can certainly lose one. The game's second ranked player did just that by shooting a 79, which puts him in a tie for 121st. He's headed towards his second consecutive cut in the Open Championship. Once again, he will exit quietly in a major as the same enigma he's always been, failing to cash in at the one British Open where he wouldn't have to face off with his nemesis. Joining Mickelson at the cut line are Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, both of whom showed their age on Thursday.

Behind Mediate is a leaderboard full of big names as play concluded early Thursday morning. Aussies Greg Norman and Adam Scott each shot an even round of 70. You have to think Norman is living easy with his new wife, tennis legend Chris Evert, and his play reflects that. Scott has always had the talent, but does he have three more solid rounds left in him at this course. We'll have to wait and see. Mickelson, Els, and Singh have all proved that a single bad round at the Open Championship wlll kill your chances.

Appointed favorite Sergio Garcia did nothing to kill off his chances. He shot 72 and is tied with a group that includes Anthony Kim and Miguel Angel Jimenez. This trio is sure to produce at least one guy close to the leaders as we approach the weekend.

ROUND 2 UPDATE:

Greg Norman has surged to the lead at even par. Our boy Rocco sits at +2, surely in contention heading into the weekend. Colombian Camilo Villegas has been the stud of the day, posting a whopping 65 to move only a shot behind Norman. It's the low score of the day by four strokes to this point.


Up to the minute stats of the Open Championship..........[The Open Championship Official Site]