SAN FRANCISCO -- Tiger Woods is charging at the U.S. Open again.

Woods birdied back-to-back holes to climb to 2-under par through 14 holes Thursday, one behind leader Michael Thompson in the opening round. Jason Bohn and David Toms also were at 2 under.

The morning fog that blanketed the tight, twisting course lifted by the time the group of Woods, Phil Mickelson and Masters champion Bubba Watson made the turn. Not that faster and firmer conditions under the sun were needed for his playing partners: Mickelson was at 4 over and Watson 7 over.

The roars were only for one man in the marquee group.

Indeed, Tiger's near the top of the leaderboard at a major again.

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