Lefty in good shape at Bethpage after rousing welcome
FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson, roared on by huge galleries as he made an emotional return to the New York area, ended a marathon day at the weather-hit U.S. Open five shots off the early pace on Friday.
The American left-hander, competing in his first major since his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer last month, was at one under par after playing 29 holes at a rain-sodden Bethpage Black.
After carding a one-under 69 in the morning to trail first-round leader Mike Weir of Canada by five shots, Mickelson was level for the next 11 holes before play was suspended in fading light.
"I thought I played very well," Mickelson told reporters after ending the day five strokes behind American Lucas Glover, who had five holes remaining in his second round.
"I'm striking the ball well but I just need to make a few putts. If that happens, I think I'll have a good chance on the weekend.
"I just love playing golf here. I love coming up to this area and I think the people here are some of the best sports fans in the country."
A fan favorite who has no peers in the modern game when it comes to signing autographs and handing out golf balls to children, Mickelson was overwhelmed by the warm support he received at Bethpage.
Throughout the day, shouts of "We love you Phil" and "You're the man" rang out across the fairways, sparking repeated thumbs-ups from Mickelson in reply.
'AMAZING DAY'
"It was an amazing day with the way the people treated everybody, but I certainly felt it," said the 39-year-old Californian, who is popularly known as 'Lefty'. "It was very cool.
"I don't even know how to say it. The people here have treated me, Amy and my family so well, it's been amazing."
Mickelson, who received boisterous support on his way to second place in the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage, felt his half of the draw for the first two rounds held an advantage.
The early starters on Thursday had to negotiate steady rain on the sixth longest course to stage a major while Mickelson and company benefited from dry weather and afternoon sunshine after setting off on Friday.
"I think we got the good end of the tee times," the world number two said. "We had some great conditions to play golf and make birdies.
"The course was soft and that helped us and without much wind, we were able to see a lot of scores under par."
Mickelson had one concern for Saturday when he and his South African playing partners Retief Goosen and Ernie Els are scheduled to resume their second rounds at 7:30 a.m. EDT.
"I think the wind is going to be the biggest factor," he said. "If there's no wind we've got a great break but if there is, it's going to be a difficult round for us to finish."
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
