Ogilvy balances good and bad at Torrey Pines

By Larry Fine

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Australia's Geoff Ogilvy failed to capitalise on a string of birdie chances on Friday but was still satisfied with his position after the second round of the U.S. Open.

"Should have had an easier time of it," Ogilvy, the 2006 champion, told reporters after posting a two-over-par 73 in his early tee time to stand at even-par 142 for the tournament.

"The greens were definitely softer when you play in the morning and they definitely roll a bit nicer when you play in the morning.

"But 13 tee was back and the third tee is back, and it's really hard. I'm happy with what I got."

He stood three shots back of countryman Stuart Appleby, the second-round leader on 139.

Ogilvy said he had missed a string of possible birdies in the middle of his round that could have lowered his score.

"I had a short putt on six I missed, a short putt on seven I missed," the 2006 champion said. "I lipped out on eight with a putt. I missed a chip shot on 10. I could have had a run through there."

"I could have had a nice run where I birdied the holes, and I didn't birdie any of them."