J.J. Spaun – hardly a household name – came out swinging, carding a flawless 66 (‑4) to seize a solo clubhouse lead. No bogeys, four birdies to open his back nine… he even rattled in a 20‑foot chip‑in to kick things off. In just his second U.S. Open, Spaun sets the bar high, riding the confidence wave from a near‑miss at The Players Championship.
Oakmont: World No. 1s Meet Brutal Reality
Oakmont lived up to its fearsome billing. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler stumbled to a 73 (+3), while Bryson DeChambeau – the defending champ – also posted a 73, describing the course as a “brutal test of golf”.
Big Names in Trouble
Rory McIlroy looked primed with a 2‑under front nine… then imploded on the back nine to card a 74 (+4), tumbling down the leaderboard. Other elite names – Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka – also found themselves battling thick rough, slick greens, and Oakmont’s infamous bunkers.
A Tough Day Overall
Only ten players broke par, underscoring just how punishing the course played. Sheffield’s finest may weep, but it’s the journeymen – Spaun, Thriston Lawrence (‑3), Kim Si‑woo, Sungjae Im plus US Open royalty Brooks Koepka (all ‑2) – who’re up top and primed to pounce. Koepka was our pre-tournament pick by the way, let’s get that out there.
Albatross Alert!
In a rare twist on the 622‑yard par‑5 4th, Patrick Reed holed out for an albatross – only the fourth in U.S. Open history and the first since 2012. Less likely than eggnog in July.
What It All Means
Spaun is proving big‑shot material, but with only a one‑shot cushion, margin for error is nil.
Favourites Scheffler, McIlroy & DeChambeau must regroup now – Oakmont is unforgiving.
Meanwhile, mid‑tier contenders and journeymen are smelling blood and closing in fast. Survive and thrive for Round 2.
That’s Day One in full – Oakmont’s savage bite has already shaped a fascinating script. On to Friday: expect redemption, meltdown… and maybe another surprise name atop the leaderboard.
