- Who is leading after the first round of the 2024 U.S. Open?
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads at 3 under after a 67, followed by Rory McIlroy at 2 under. Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and Brooks Koepka are tied at 2, 2, and 1 under, respectively.
- What were the key moments in Scheffler’s opening round?
- Scheffler’s 67 included five birdies and two bogeys, with standout pars at the par-4 14th and par-3 17th helping him navigate Shinnecock’s challenging wind and firm turf. His round was completed before the strongest afternoon gusts arrived.
- How did Rory McIlroy perform in his opening round?
- McIlroy carded a bogey-free 68, his only dropped shot a rare three-putt at the par-5 2nd. He played in softer morning conditions and avoided the stiffer afternoon winds that caught many later starters.
- What are the tee times for Friday’s second round?
- Scottie Scheffler is scheduled to tee off at 1:30 p.m. ET, alongside Rory McIlroy, who begins at 1:25 p.m. ET. The pair will face potential darkness if their rounds extend past sunset.
- How is the weather expected to impact play on Friday?
- The forecast calls for clearing skies and steady winds up to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph by late afternoon. Shinnecock’s firm greens and undulating bunkers will test players’ ability to control trajectory and spin.
- Why did defending champion Wyndham Clark struggle in his opening round?
- Clark’s 73 included three bogeys in his first seven holes, exposing the difficulty of Shinnecock’s greens and the pressure of defending a major title. His round reflected a broader trend: the course’s firm conditions punish early mistakes, leaving little room for recovery.