Wisconsin, June 16: American Rickie Fowler tamed the Erin Hills course to claim the first round lead at the US Open, the year’s second Major, here Thursday, making the so-called toughest test in golf look easy with a record-equalling display while the big guns failed to fire.
With only a gentle breeze and rains having taken the bite out of the monstrous 7,845-yard course, players tore apart the links-style layout, attacking the pins with bravado on a day when 17 competitors broke 70.
Fowler returned a seven-under 65 for a one-shot lead over compatriot Xander Schauffele and Englishman Paul Casey.
Starting from the 10th tee, Fowler showed why he was among the pre-tournament favourites, returning a polished bogey-free effort that matched the lowest first round score in relation to par at a US Open.
“You don’t get many rounds at the US Open that are stress-free,” said Fowler, who got his round off to a flying start with birdies on three of his opening five holes. “It is always cool to be part of some sort of history in golf but I’d rather be remembered for something that’s done Sunday (winning the title).”
It was a sunny day but not everyone left with a smile as the world’s top six ranked players all failed to get into red numbers.
World No.1 Dustin Johnson opened defence of his crown with a shaky three-over 75 while No.2 Rory McIlroy, sidelined for much of the year with rib and back injuries, opened with an eagle but could not shake the rust, fading to six-over 78 after being punished by the brutal fescue rough on several occasions. World No.3, Australian Jason Day was worse off slumping to a seven-over 79 that included two triple bogeys.
World No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama (74), No. 5 Jordan Spieth (73) and No.6 Henrik Stenson (74) will all have work to do if they hope to see the weekend at season’s second Major. Reuters