Ian Poulter made a brilliant start to the 113th US Open at Merion today before bad weather forced play to be suspended after less than two hours of play.

The contrasting possibilities offered by Merion were soon on show as the 113th US Open got under way this morning, although bad weather was forecast to disrupt proceedings.

STUART APPLEBY understands the scrutiny that might come with shooting a 59 on a par-70 course.

Chris Couch chipped in from 26 feet on the 18th hole to preserve his lead and win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Phil Mickelson was in a league of his own in Atlanta as he produced the lowest 36-hole score of his 15-year US Tour career.

Phil Mickelson may have failed to hang on to two of his titles so far this season, but he made a sparkling start to his defence of the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta yesterday.

Tee-off times in the second round of the United States Open golf championship at Shinnecock Hills, New York, on Friday.

Tee-off times in the first two rounds of the United States Open golf championship at Shinnecock Hills, New York, on June 17-18 (USA unless stated, all times Irish time):

Tee-off times in the first two rounds of the United States Open golf championship at Shinnecock Hills, New York, on June 17-18 (USA unless stated, all times Irish time):

AMERICAN Craig Bowden, early halfway leader in the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta, has slammed as "ridiculous" the fact that if he wins tomorrow he will not be playing in next week's Masters.

Padraig Harrington will be hoping a later start today in the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta enables him to get his brain in gear better than he did in his opening 70.

FIVE days after one of the best performances of his career, Pádraig Harrington found himself struggling to find the same adrenalin yesterday.

Five days after one of the best performances of his career, Padraig Harrington found himself struggling to find the same adrenalin today.