NEWS NOW: 2024 US Open leaderboard, scores, highlights: Rory McIlroy shares lead after first round
The 2024 U.S. Open kicked off Thursday at Pinehurst Resort’s No. 2 course in North Carolina.
With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s this weekend, the competition at golf’s third major of the year promises to be intense.
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after the first round, both shooting a 5-under 65. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, played flawlessly with five birdies and no bogeys, while Cantlay recorded six birdies and one bogey. Following close behind is Ludvig Aberg at 4 under, with Matthieu Pavon and Bryson DeChambeau at 3 under.
McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating he had “very high” control throughout the first round.
“I felt like I controlled most aspects of my game really well. Controlled myself, controlled my mind,” he said after shooting a 5-under 65 for the co-lead on Thursday. “I was very disciplined when I needed to be. Kept hitting the ball pin-high on my approach shot, which is really important here. Just relentless trying to hit fairways and trying to hit greens.”
McIlroy said he’s “delighted with the start” and “looking forward to getting back out there in the morning.” The last time McIlroy shot a bogey-free opening round at the U.S. Open was in 2011, when he won the major title.
Bryson DeChambeau felt “really confident” on Thursday after adjusting his swing, which paid off as he only missed two fairways in the opening round.
“Every hole, I was striping it,” DeChambeau said after finishing 3 under for the day. “I’ve been working on some stuff on the driving range and it’s been working amazing. I’m very lucky.”
Regarding the adjustment, he explained, “I made a little tweak with my left arm, which allowed my face angle to just go through a lot better.”
DeChambeau, who won his first and only major title at the 2020 U.S. Open and joined LIV Golf in 2022, is tied for fourth place with Matthieu Pavon after his opening round at Pinehurst Resort’s No. 2 course, finishing 3 under with four birdies and one bogey.
