PINEHURST, N.C., June 16 (UPI) -- Olin Browne and Rocco Mediate share the lead at three-under-par 67 after the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst, N.C.
Browne shot a sizzling 59 on the last day of sectional qualifying event recently to get into the Open.
Defending champion Retief Goosen shot a two-under 68 to stay one shot off the lead. He is tied for third place with Lee Westwood and Brandt Jobe, who had sole possession of the lead before his round ended with bogeys at 16 and 17.
Phil Mickelson is tied for sixth at one-under 69 with Luke Donald, K.J. Choi and 1996 U.S. Open champion Steve Jones. Mickelson lost two shots to the lead after bogeys at 15 and 16.
Two-time Open winner and tournament favorite Tiger Woods came in at even par 70.
The 46-year-old Browne missed birdie chances at 10, 11 and 12 but recovered to birdie 13, 14 and 16.
