U.S. OPEN BLOG: Dan Hayes reports live from Friday's second round

| Friday, June 13, 2008 9:01 AM PDT

North County Times

Staff writer Dan Hayes complained off soreness in his texting fingers late Thursday but vows to forge on during Friday's second round despite the sometimes intense pain. He'll be our roving reporter on the course, offering his observations and, every once in a while, a bit of actual news. If you've got questions about the U.S. Open, ask them here. Even if his fingers are worn to the nub, Dan promises to provide you with an answer.

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No. Stunna wrote on Jun 13, 2008 10:50 AM:It looked like Mickelson got a little too much sun yesterday. Do these guys wear sunscreen?

Sports editor Loren Nelson wrote on Jun 13, 2008 11:36 AM:For those anxiously awaiting Dan's first post of the day, he's having problems with his Lexus courtesy car (reserved for players and bloggers only) but should arrive at the course shortly.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 12:18 PM:Hey, Tiger and Phil aren't teeing off for a bit now so I figured what's the rush? Anyway, after walking an estimated 43.2 miles yesterday, I decided to give myself a well-deserved rest. Technically it was only 14 holes, but if my calculations are correct... Anyway, here's some of the news of the day. Ernie Els has continued to slide. He's at 3-over par. Also, Sports Editor Loren Nelson has signed up to again follow Tiger and Phil for all 18 holes. No word if he's going to ask Tiger if he can carry his bag or offer to wipe the sweat off his brow.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 12:23 PM:By the way, bloggers don't get the Lexus courtesy car. They give us a Yugo and tell us to pray that it starts. As for me, I'm going to follow a local kid for a bit today ---- Rickie Fowler. For those of you who don't know, Fowler is a freshman at Oklahoma State who hails from Murrieta Valley High School. Yesterday, in only his third round ever at Torrey Pines, Fowler opened with an 1-under-par 70. Also, if any of you have questions today, I'll be in the tent a lot more than I was Thursday. So please send in your questions if you have any. And don't worry if they're dumb or not ... if you read this blog yesterday, you know the dumb ones are right on par with the writer.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 1:16 PM:Staff photographer Bill Wechter just showed me a photo of a scoreboard on the 7th hole earlier today. Apparently golfer John Rollins was "E" above par ... as the three was reversed. A lot of wacky things are happening out here, including last week the boss, Loren Nelson, and Wechter being mistaken for paparazzi when Justin Timberlake was playing a practice round. Security was called over at which point Nelson reportedly said, "I don't even know who Justin Timberlake is." Apparently, he didn't watch The Mickey Mouse Club ... not that I did. That'd be weird.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 1:30 PM:More photos from Wechter. Luke Donald, who nearly just put me to sleep in the media tent, needed the help of four marshals, who removed an exit sign from the ground near the 11th green so he could take a shot. Donald bogeyed the hole but finished with 71 again and is even-par through two rounds. First-round co-leader Kevin Streelman also had an adventure on the 15th hole as his shot went behind a chain-link fence and into the iceplant back by some Dumpsters. Streelman finished the day 6-over par. ... And then there's this gem from D.J. Trahan, who shot a 2-under 69. Trahan, who hails from Atlanta, isn't a big fan of Torrey Pines, especially in February. He said he doesn't like the damp greens because "I'm from the East Coast; we don't putt on sponges."

Staff Writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 2:17 PM:There was a lot of discussion yesterday that Phil Mickelson, who finished 1-under par, was playing without a driver. It's the first time during a major that he played without a driver. I made a similar decision yesterday. Normally I carry an 8 1/2-by-11 pad of paper when I report. Yesterday, however, I elected to carry around a reporter's notebook, which is much smaller. And I have to be honest; I wasn't exactly 1-under par, but I was on my game yesterday. Look for my name on the leaderboard on Sunday.

Staff Writer Scott Bair wrote on Jun 13, 2008 2:58 PM:Dear Dan,

Do me a favor. Go up to Jimmy Nantz and tell him that amateur Rickie Fowler's hometown of Murrieta is NOT right up the coast from San Diego, or any other coast for that matter.

If he's set in his beliefs, tell him I've got some ocean-front property for sale in Fallbrook for a reasonable price.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:39 PM:Just saw a 4-year-old rocking an afro. In four years, he's already cooler than I've been in 31

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:41 PM:Ian Poulter withdrew after 15 holes with an undisclosed injury. Tell you what: If I sprain a finger, I'm withdrawing, too. No hunting and pecking for this blogger.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:42 PM:Rocco Mediate leads at 4 under. Do you know what it could do for golf if a guy named Rocco win the Open? Your 2024 Open winner is Vinnie Boombats.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:43 PM:Some guy just walked by in belt bottoms. If you ever see me in those pants, and it's not a costume party, feel free to blog about it and expose me as a nerd, too.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:44 PM:Quick note: The guy with the coolest, and hardest-to-manage hair in the Open, Miguel Jimenez, has birdied two of his first three holes. His ponytail had a par on the other.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:46 PM:Padraig Harrington was 4 under today and is tied for 28th after opening with a 78. My projection for making the cut is 6 over because it's windy with a lot of golf to play.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 4:00 PM:Not sure if this is golf or football as several fans chanted, 'Let's go, Phil' as he approached the 17th. Another yelled, 'Get 'er done!'

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 4:24 PM:No.Stunna, I've been told that when it comes to anything, all professional golfers reportedly first ask themselves if Chuck Norris would do such a thing. Seeing as Mr. Norris probably thinks he's stronger than the sun, I'm guessing he doesn't wear any sunscreen, hence Phil's overdone tan.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 5:04 PM:I have to admit I was quite embarrassed earlier today when Marc Figueroa, Landon Negri and I all arrived at the media tent wearing matching green mock turtleneck sweaters. Fortunately we've been overshadowed by the trio Miguel Jimenez, Boo Weekley and Shingo Katayama, all of whom arrived wearing orange shirts. How embarrassing.
Side note about Jimenez; when he signed up with his sponsors he had it written in his contract that his ponytail travels alone, and only by Leer jet. Wish I had that kind of power.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 5:08 PM:Staff writer Brian Hiro thinks he saw part-time Rancho Santa Fe resident Richard Jefferson milling around today wearing a Dodgers cap. I'm guessing it was him, because if I was Jefferson, I wouldn't want to be kicking it with Luke Walton today after the way the Lakers choked last night, either.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 7:45 PM:Rocco Mediate was having a great time today and expects more this weekend. He sits one shot behind leader Stuart Appleby in a three-way tie for second place. "It'll be nerve-racking and insane the next two days." He also said of playing with Tiger Woods, who also is tied for second, "that's the dream. That's what you want." Finally, when asked about his chances, Mediate endorsed himself. "We're going to find out," Mediate said. "I think I can, but there might be some other guys who have something to say about that."

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 13, 2008 7:47 PM:Final item for the day: Tiger was addressing the media when he described a shot that hit the middle of the green from roughly 250 yards out. When asked what club he used, Tiger responded, "a cut 5-wood," which amused several reporters, including yours truly, who dreams of hitting "a cut 5-wood" that distance.

Vi wrote on Jun 17, 2008 4:16 AM:Awe I wanted so much Rocco Mediate to win! It is time for a change! Tired of Tiger Woods winning! Who does he think he is!! Come on Rocco Mediate win win win and believe you can win! My whole household and friends where pulling for you!!!

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