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Phil Mickelson early clubhouse leader at US Open

Mickelson takes early lead at US Open
© AP Photos
Phil Mickelson takes an early clubhouse lead at the US Open after an excellent opening round of 67.

Phil Mickelson is the early clubhouse leader at the US Open after an opening round of 67.

Play was suspended for several hours at the Merrion golf club due to a storm and it was the American who dealt with the conditions best after the restart, finishing on three-under.

After bogeying his opening hole, Mickelson recovered two holes later to get back to par, before holing a monster putt for birdie on his ninth.

A bunker shot a couple of holes later gave him the chance to make his second birdie, but for once the putter let him down, before some more strong golf got him out of trouble after poor tee shots.

Mickelson took the outright lead with just a few holes to go, holing a routine putt after yet another impressive approach.

Jerry Kelly drew level with him towards the end of the round, but another well-judged long putt earned Mickelson another birdie on the penultimate hole.

A good approach at his final hole offered a half-chance to increase his lead further, but Mickelson couldn't quite hole his birdie effort before tapping in to end his opening round.

Follow all the action from day one at the US Open with Sports Mole's live coverage here.

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Daniel Cross
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Phil Mickelson reacts after his birdie putt on the ninth hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament on June 13, 2013
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