Boys’ golf: Name familiar to prep fans among U.S. Open leaders

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Rickie Fowler, only one year out of Murrieta Valley High, leads Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson after the first round of the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.

Fowler, who failed to earn a spot in the U.S. Open last year, shot a one-under-par 71 Thursday on Torrey Pines South, which currently places him sixth overall, two strokes behind the leaders. Mickelson shot par and Woods was one over. Fowler, 19, finished the first day with four birdies and three bogeys.

Just completing his freshman year at Oklahoma State, Fowler, who dominated the Southland and state high school golf scene for four years, was named the recipient of the 2008 Ben Hogan Award, which is presented annually to the top men’s NCAA Division I, II or III, NAIA or junior college golfer taking into account all collegiate and amateur competitions during the last 12 months.

Way to go, Rickie!

-- Bob Rohwer