Mediate struggles at Buick Open, where Pavin, Van Pelt and Hart lead

6/27/2008

GRAND BLANC, Mich. (AP) -- Rocco Mediate was simply exhausted. Physically and mentally.

After pushing Tiger Woods for five-plus rounds at the U.S. Open and doing countless interviews, Mediate didn't have much left Thursday in the first round of the Buick Open.

Mediate got a boost of energy moments later when he walked into the locker room.

Tom Lehman was the first of a few players to greet him with a hug or handshake and kind words about his showing in U.S. Open. Then, Mediate opened his locker and read the latest batch of handwritten notes from PGA Tour peers.

Mediate's first tournament since falling just short of winning his first major might not last long.

He likely will have to improve upon his opening round on Friday just to make the cut at Warwick Hills, where players who don't reach about 3 under after two days usually go home.

Corey Pavin, Bo Van Pelt and Dudley Hart shared the opening-round lead at 8-under 64, a shot ahead of Briny Baird and Daniel Chopra.

Woody Austin was in a group at 66. Bubba Watson was in a pack another stroke back with Charles Warren, who had six straight birdies to tie the longest birdie-eagle streak this year on the PGA Tour.

Jim Furyk was among a big group four shots behind the leaders.

Leaderboard – Round 1:

1.  Corey Pavin                    USA  64 - 8
     Dudley Hart                    USA  64 - 8
     Bo Van Pelt                    USA  64 - 8
4.  Briny Baird                      USA  65 - 7
     Daniel Chopra                SWE  65 - 7
6.  Kenneth Ferrie                 ENG  66 - 6
     Shigeki Maruyama            JPN  66 - 6
     Jon Mills                         CAN  66 - 6
     Woody Austin                  USA  66 - 6
10. Tom Byrum                    USA  67 - 5
      Lee Janzen                    USA  67 - 5
      Bubba Watson                USA  67 - 5
      Johnson Wagner             USA  67 - 5
      Kevin Na                        USA  67 - 5
      Brad Elder                      USA  67 - 5
      Charles Warren               USA  67 - 5
      Tag Ridings                    USA  67 - 5
      Stephen Leaney              AUS  67 - 5

48.  Alex Čejka                     GER  70 - 2

Source: AP, PGA Tour