The 2024 U.S. Open has kicked off at Pinehurst Resort’s No. 2 course in North Carolina, showcasing some exceptional golf in the first round. With temperatures expected to rise into the 90s over the weekend, the challenge for the golfers is set to intensify. Here’s a look at the highlights and key performances from the opening day.
First Round Co-Leaders
Rory McIlroy: 5-under 65
Rory McIlroy started his U.S. Open campaign with a stellar bogey-free round, finishing with a 5-under 65. Demonstrating immense control and discipline, McIlroy carded five birdies. His last bogey-free opening round at the U.S. Open was in 2011, a year he famously went on to win the championship. McIlroy’s sharp performance on Thursday sets a promising tone for his quest for another major title.
Patrick Cantlay: 5-under 65
Matching McIlroy at the top, Patrick Cantlay also shot a 5-under 65, including six birdies and a single bogey. Cantlay’s putting was particularly impressive, needing only 23 putts – the fewest in a major round for him. This efficiency on the greens was a result of meticulous preparation, evidenced by his decision to bring four different putters to the tournament, ultimately finding the one that worked perfectly for him.
Close Competitors
Ludvig Aberg: 4-under 66
Ludvig Aberg put himself in a strong position early on, finishing just one stroke behind the leaders at 4-under. His consistent play kept him within striking distance heading into the second round.
Matthieu Pavon and Bryson DeChambeau: 3-under 67
Both Pavon and DeChambeau ended their rounds at 3-under. DeChambeau, known for his powerful drives, showcased confidence with a notable chip-in for birdie and narrowly avoiding out-of-bounds to secure another birdie.
Notable Performances
Bryson DeChambeau:
DeChambeau’s aggressive play style paid off, finishing 3-under with a couple of spectacular shots, including a chip-in for birdie. His tweaks to his driving technique appear to be working well, giving him a solid start.
Scottie Scheffler:
Scheffler had a challenging day, ending 1-over and tied for 40th. His round included three bogeys and two birdies, highlighting the difficulties posed by Pinehurst’s No. 2 course.
Tiger Woods:
Tiger Woods struggled significantly, particularly with his putting. He shot a 4-over 74, hitting only 9 of 18 greens in regulation and encountering five bogeys within seven holes, including three three-putts. This left Woods with a lot of ground to cover in the coming rounds.
Additional Highlights
Xander Schauffele:
Schauffele’s round was a rollercoaster, finishing even par with four birdies and four bogeys. He is currently tied for 21st, keeping himself in contention as the tournament progresses.
Brooks Koepka:
The two-time U.S. Open champion had a strong start, briefly tying for the lead before finishing a few strokes behind. His experience and skill will be crucial as he aims to climb up the leaderboard in the following rounds.
Weather and Course Conditions
The Pinehurst No. 2 course is known for its challenging layout, and with temperatures set to rise into the 90s over the weekend, the players will face not only the difficulty of the course but also the sweltering heat. This will test their endurance and strategic play.
Looking Ahead
The competition is heating up as players gear up for the second round, aiming to make the cut and position themselves favorably for the weekend. The leaderboard is tight, and any player making a strong move can significantly alter the standings.
Coverage
The U.S. Open is being broadcast live on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options available on Peacock and USOpen.com. For continuous updates and detailed scores, follow the live leaderboard . Stay tuned for more thrilling action as the 2024 U.S. Open continues to unfold with surprises and intense competition.
