Mediate rolls to share of British Open lead when weather provides a long day at Royal Birkdale

From sunny San Diego to bleak and blustery Royal Birkdale, the expression on Rocco Mediate's face didn't change. He watched one final birdie tumble into the cup for a 1-under 69 and a three-way share of the lead in the British Open, straightened his 45-year-old back, then dropped his jaw into a smile that said, "How did that just happen?" Others must have been wondering the same thing Thursday. Ernie Els was playing some of his best golf in the worst of the weather until taking 45 shots on the back nine and posting an 80, his highest score in nearly two decades at his favorite major. Phil Mickelson was up to his knees in grass right of the sixth green and never found his ball, taking a triple bogey that sent him to a 79. Robert Allenby and Graeme McDowell, who watched on television as the early starters suffered through... [read full story]