Tough challenge for the golfing greats

Rory McIlroy made a dream start to his bid to claim a cherished fifth Major title by snatching a share of the first round lead with American Patrick Cantlay at the 124th US Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina (13-16 June).

 

The 35-year old golfer from Northern Ireland is chasing a first Major victory since his PGA Championship success in 2014.  He shot a delightful bogey-free round of 65 with five birdies at Pinehurst No 2 to match the early clubhouse lead set by Patrick Cantlay.

 

The American made an incredible three birdies in the last five holes before McIlroy drew level with him later in the day.   The 24-year old Swedish debutant Ludvig Aberg came in one shot behind them on an impressive 4-under par 66.  With a total of six birdies and only two bogeys, patience paid off for the Swede at Pinehurst Resort.  Indeed, this patience saw him pick-up a superb second place in this year’s Masters, the first Major of his professional career, after just 53 weeks.

 

Rory McIlroy, who was second in the 2023 US Open, had an impressive flight on day one.  He played with US PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele and the World No 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler.  They carded rounds of 70 and 71, respectively.

 

The American US Open defending champion, Wyndham Clark, opened with a disappointing three over par round to finish in a share of 65th spot.  But it is early days in this US Open and anything can happen over the next few days.

 

Fellow-countryman Bryson DeChambeau played well at Pinehurst to card a 2-under par to tie with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon in fourth place.

 

Englishman Tyrrell Hatton had a great day too opening with a 68 for a share of sixth spot with Americans Tony Finau and Akshay Bhatia.  While Aaron Rai (England) shot a 69 to level with six other players including Sergio Garcia (Spain) and Thomas Detry (Belgium).

 

Let’s hope that the sun shines down in North Carolina at the US Open over the weekend and that we can enjoy some spectacular golf!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

Editor

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH:  Four times Major winner Rory McIlroy in action.