The power of three

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Rock’s original “supergroup,” Cream, had nothing on the 11:06 threesome in today’s first round of the U.S. Open — Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott.

Pairing up the top three golfers in the world is an unusual strategy. Tournaments usually prefer to sprinkle their top draws throughout the field.

But the Open isn’t any old Buick or Honda Classic. The U.S. Golf Association brands its signature event not only with brutally difficult courses — this week San Diego’s Torrey Pines at a major-championship record 7,643 yards — but it also offers delicious pairings.

This year, the top 12 players in the world are loaded into four power groups. None, of course, hold the intrigue of Tiger-Lefty-Scott, who seem all for it.

Mickelson applauded the pairing and applied a gentile needle to his rival, mentioning the result of the last time they played together, Mickelson’s win at the Deutsche Bank last September.

“I think it’s awesome. I wish we had it more,” said Mickelson. “I loved how it turned out last time we were paired together and I hope to have a similar result.”

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