OAKMONT, Pa. – There’s been little in Bubba Watson’s U.S. Open history that would suggest he’s ready for a breakthrough at his national championship.
In nine U.S. Open starts he’s missed five cuts, including the last two, and his best finish was a tie for fifth. But that lone top-10 was in 2007 at Oakmont, site of this week’s championship, and the left-hander set out on Thursday to change his fortunes.
Watson managed just two pars on his opening nine, at Nos. 1 and 2, but finished his outward loop with three bogeys and four birdies, and he was alone in second place at 2 under when played was called for the day following multiple weather delays.