Unlikely duo leads U.S. Open

SAN DIEGO, June 12 (UPI) -- The unlikely duo of Justin Hicks and Kevin Streelman emerged as co-leaders Thursday after the opening round of the U.S. Open.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson survived spotty play in their superstar pairing to stay in the chase at Torrey Pines, the longest course ever to host the nation's oldest professional golf tournament.

Streelman, a rookie on the PGA Tour, and Hicks, who is not even a member of the tour, shot 3-under 68s. Streelman, whose best tour finish has been a tie for 29th, led by himself until he bogeyed his final hole late in the afternoon.

The co-leaders had a one-shot edge over Rocco Mediate, Stuart Appleby, Eric Axley and 2006 champion Geoff Ogilvy.

Two-time Open winner Ernie Els was at 1-under 70, as were Lee Westwood and Robert Allenby.

Mickelson was part of a group at 71 that included Vijay Singh. Woods shot a 72, as did Woody Austin and Stewart Cink.

Mickelson was 3-over at one point in his round before finishing off his comeback with a birdie at the 18th and Woods suffered two double bogeys.

Woods admitted his surgically repaired left knee became sore during his first competitive round since the Masters.