Golf-Open-Players remain optimistic despite miserable weather

By Larry Fine

FARMINGDALE, New York, June 18 (Reuters) - Players remained optimistic despite grappling with miserable weather at Bethpage Black on Thursday morning which forced an early suspension of first-round play at the U.S. Open.

"I certainly thought nothing in the seven holes I played was unplayable," said British Open and U.S. PGA champion Padraig Harrington, despite going four over par.

Texan Justin Leonard was level par after seven holes.

"It was obviously very difficult out there," the 1997 British Open winner said. "The golf course was playing even longer with the heavy rough and the rain. My goal was to forget about par and do the best I could."

Leonard stuck to his plan. He parred the first hole, then posted three bogeys and three birdies over the next six.

Briton Paul Casey, whose sublime form has catapulted him to number three in the world, was one-over through five holes.

"Patience is paramount," said Casey, who was tied with holder Tiger Woods, who had completed six holes when play was called for the day.

Harrington did not blame his bad start on the weather and was looking forward to resuming.