Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys In Action At U.S. Open
June 19, 2009 | Cowboy Golf
June 19, 2009
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - Four players with Oklahoma State ties finally completed their first rounds at the U.S. Open on Friday at Bethpage State Park's Black Course.
The quartet began play on Thursday, but was unable to finish due to inclement weather that rendered the course unplayable. With the first round not completed until Friday afternoon, second round action followed immediately, but was suspended due to darkness.
Former Cowboy All-American Hunter Mahan was the only player among the four to begin his second round. After opening with a 2-over 72, Mahan completed nine holes during his second round. With birdies on two of his final three holes, he stands at 1-under for the round and 1-over for the championship, tying him for 25th place.
The OSU trio of junior-to-be Rickie Fowler, Bo Van Pelt and Casey Wittenberg was the first group out on Thursday with Fowler hitting the first tee shot of the event. Van Pelt and Wittenberg each carded 3-over 73s during their third round and are among the group tied for 50th place.
Competing in his second-straight U.S. Open, Fowler posted a 78 and is tied for 128th place. The trio battled tough conditions on Thursday before being called off the course after 11 holes.
"This course is playing quite a bit tougher than (2008 U.S. Open site) Torrey Pines with the conditions," Fowler said. "I knew hitting fairways and greens would be big out here."
Fowler stood at 7-over on the day before play was suspended. After returning to the course Friday morning, he played his final seven holes 1-over, including a birdie at the 18th.
"The rain made it tough with the rough being as wet as it was," Fowler said. "This morning was a lot easier to hit out of the rough when it started to dry out. I feel like I am putting well, I just haven't had anything fall yet."
The trio is set to begin its second round tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. (EST).
