OAKMONT, Pa. -- Two former Greater Cedar Rapids Open champions are playing in the United States Open.
One is Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids native. I'm sure you've heard of him. The other is George McNeill of Fort Myers, Fla. I'm sure you haven't heard of him.
McNeill, who was 3-over par for the tournament after his fourth hole Friday morning, was fourth at the GCRO last year and tied for second in 2005. He won the PGA Tour's Qualifying School tourney title last December, but has struggled on the Tour in his rookie season.
McNeill made two birdies at Oakmont Thursday, which is more than a whole lot of pros made in the first round, including Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington. I hope he makes the 36-hole cut today. You come all the way from Florida to play in the Iowa heat in late July, you should get a payoff.