U.S. Open A Real Barnes Burner

Ricky Barnes, shown here winning U.S. Amateur Championship, is 36-hole leader of U.S. Open, shooting second-round 65 on his way to a record-low score of 8-under-par 132. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

When Ricky Barnes won the United States Amateur Championship in 2002, critics and rabid golf fans alike both concluded that it would be a matter of time before the University of Arizona product challenged the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson on the PGA Tour. Seven years later, Barnes is finally proving the critics right.

After an opening-round 67, Barnes followed up with a 5-under-par 65 in his second round, which he completed this morning, to take the lead in the U.S. Open through the first 36 holes. Barnes' total is a record-low of 132. (8-under-par for those scoring at home) Lucas Glover, who led when play was suspended late last night, shot a 64 to get to 7-under, one shot off the lead; with first-round leader Mike Weir two back after an even-par 70 in his second round.

Currently, the projected cut this weekend at Bethpage sits at 4-over par, and that was where Tiger Woods ended up after firing an opening-round 74. However, Tiger is 1-under on his round today through his first nine holes, (he teed off on No. 10) and sits at +3. Phil Mickelson is already in the clubhouse with a second-round 70 and is 1-under for the championship. Woods and Mickelson finished 1-2 the last time the U.S. Open was held at Bethpage in 2002.