SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The U.S. Open has begun, with light fog blanketing the course.

Shane Bertsch, Martin Flores and Tommy Biershenk teed off in the first group at The Olympic Club just after 7 a.m. Thursday. All three landed in the rough on the par-4 ninth, perhaps an indication of what awaits this week.

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson are to tee off shortly after them. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, top-ranked Luke Donald and Lee Westwood have an afternoon start.

This marks the first time Woods and Mickelson have been paired in the championship since Torrey Pines in 2008, when the USGA grouped players off the world ranking. That was also the last time Woods won a major.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

• Aging Men Turn To Botox For Job Hunting Edge
• Super-Sized Hen Egg Had Another Egg Inside
• Terrell Owens Released From Allen Wranglers
• Veterinarian Cares For Two Legged Dogs
• Pizza Shop Set To Start Spanish Only Promotion