Jay Flemma interviews with Ian Poulter and Shingo Katayama at the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst

I caught up with Ian Poulter and his caddie Mike Donagh pre-round. "For a great course outside London try Woburn Sands. It's my home course and I play it all the time" Ian noted with a smile. Ian looked good in his pink and purple outfit today. Mike, who began caddying for Ian two and a half years ago when "we had some drinks together and he needed a caddie noted "Yeah we also love Torrey Pines. Cypress Point is great too, if you can get on it."

Poulter carded a rugged 77 yesterday, but smiled with some conviction and added "66 is the number I'm gunning for today. Bring me some luck laddie!"

Meanwhile I also chatted with Japan's Shingo Katayama's post-round, whose 74-75 left him +9 and in danger of missing the cut.

JF: There was alot of talk about making sure not to hit the ball in places around the greens where it was exceptionally difficult to get up and down. How did you fare keeping the ball out of the so called "blue areas?"

SK: Not as well as I would have liked. The big problem was I practiced all week playing a 3-wood out of the greenside rough, but never got to use that shot because I hit into thicker rough. I also put myself in trouble off the tee. I also missed too many fairways.

JF: How were playing conditions out there?

SK: They were tough. The fairways and greens were firm and the ball just kept rolling. The ball just didn't stop.

JF: What public courses in Japan would you recommend American visitors go play.

SK: Kawana C.C. in Shizuoka by Mt. Fuji is terrific.