SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. _ Phil Mickelson, who might have wiped out his chance at his first U.S. Open championship with a bad opening round, managed to shake it off Friday and fought his way into the weekend at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
Playing in more player-friendly conditions, moist greens and little wind, Mickelson fired a 1-under-par 69 following his opening 77 for a 146 total, two strokes better than the cut of 8-over 148. And he expressed confidence he could get back into the tournament, even if he trails 36-hole leader Dustin Johnson by 10 shots.
"The conditions are supposed to be calm in the morning," said Mickelson, who will celebrate his 48th birthday on Saturday. "I think there's a 4-, 5-, 6-under par round there. If I can shoot that or anybody who just made the cut, I think there's potential.
"You never know in this tournament. If the wind picks up, it could move them into contention on Sunday."
