J.J. Spaun delivered a remarkably consistent performance on Thursday at Oakmont, navigating the challenging course without a single bogey. His impressive 4-under 66 earned him a one-shot lead in the U.S. Open.
The day was marked by a series of extraordinary shots and unexpected results. Patrick Reed achieved an albatross, only the fourth in U.S. Open history since records began in 1983, by holing out from 286 yards. However, he finished the round with a triple bogey. Shane Lowry made an eagle on the par-4 third hole, but ultimately shot a 79. Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one player, struggled, making more bogeys than usual and posting his highest opening score at a U.S. Open.
Amidst the day's drama, Spaun maintained a steady pace, starting his round early in the morning with a bogey-free performance. His score matched the lowest opening round in U.S. Open history at Oakmont, a feat also achieved by Andrew Landry in 2016. Spaun's success was attributed to his exceptional putting, which included five par putts ranging from 7 to 16 feet, along with four birdies.
Oakmont lived up to its reputation as a challenging course, with a scoring average of approximately 74.6, despite the course conditions being relatively soft due to recent rain and moderate winds. The rough proved to be a significant obstacle for many players, including Rory McIlroy, who struggled to escape it on the fourth hole and ultimately shot a 74. Bryson DeChambeau described the course as a "brutal test of golf."
The round began with Maxwell Moldovan holing out for eagle on the opening hole. Later, Tony Finau's approach shot hit a sprinkler head and landed in the grandstand, but he managed to save par. By the end of the first round, only ten players had managed to break par, one fewer than in 2016.
Scheffler, despite being the favorite, made some mistakes, including finding the Church Pew bunkers and making bogeys on consecutive holes. He acknowledged the need to sharpen his game. Spaun, who started his round with a chip-in, was met with surprise from spectators upon seeing his score.
Other notable performances included Thriston Lawrence of South Africa, who carded six birdies for a 67, and Brooks Koepka, who seemed to regain his form with a 68. Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion, shot a 69. The course offered both opportunities for birdies and harsh penalties.
McIlroy, after a bogey-free front nine, struggled on the back nine and finished with a 74. Sam Burns, who was close to the lead, faltered in the final holes and ended with a 72. Spaun, however, remained consistent, particularly with his putting, converting crucial par putts. He attributed his success to his putting performance, which he considered one of his best of the year. Spaun, playing in only his second U.S. Open, focused on grinding through the challenging conditions.
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