The 125th U.S. Open teed off at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday, and true to its reputation, the historic course delivered a punishing test of golf. Only 10 players managed to finish under par, with journeyman JJ Spaun emerging as the surprise leader after a bogey-free 4-under 66—a rare feat that ties the lowest opening round ever recorded at Oakmon
JJ Spaun’s Breakthrough Round
Spaun, 34, showcased remarkable composure, sinking five key par putts from 7 to 16 feet to keep his card clean. His performance is especially notable given Oakmont’s notorious difficulty, with its slick greens and unforgiving rough. This marks just the eighth bogey-free round in U.S. Open history at Oakmont.
Reed’s Historic Albatross
Patrick Reed provided one of the day’s most electrifying moments by holing out for an albatross on the 622-yard par-5 4th hole. It’s only the fourth albatross in U.S. Open history and the first since 2012. Despite this rare achievement, Reed’s round ended on a sour note with a triple-bogey on the 18th, leaving him at 3-over.
Top Contenders Falter
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau both struggled, each carding a 3-over 73. Scheffler lamented “silly mistakes” and the need to be “a little bit sharper” moving forward. DeChambeau admitted the course “got me” as he battled Oakmont’s thick rough and fast greens.
Rory McIlroy started strong, reaching 2-under through nine holes, but a collapse on the back nine, including four bogeys and a double bogey, led to a 4-over 74. Shane Lowry fared worse, posting a 9-over 79 despite a spectacular hole-out eagle from 160 yards.
Notable Performances
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Thriston Lawrence: The South African sits one shot behind Spaun after a 3-under 67.
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Brooks Koepka: The two-time U.S. Open champion showed signs of resurgence with a solid 2-under 68.
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Jon Rahm: The Spaniard posted a 1-under 69, keeping himself in contention
Looking Ahead
With only a handful of players under par and challenging conditions expected to persist, the projected cut line hovers around +3. Top contenders will need significant improvements in Round 2 to stay in the hunt. As Oakmont continues to test the field, Spaun’s steady play has set a high bar for the rest of the tournament.
