Shinnecock Hills lived up to its fearsome reputation on the opening day of a fog-delayed US Open, with only six of the early starters breaking par as strong winds battered the Long Island course.
World number two Rory McIlroy carded a one-under 69 to sit one shot behind surprise leader Sam Stevens, with the later wave of 78 players yet to finish. Given the blustery conditions expected to worsen, both players are well positioned. Historically, only 9% of rounds at Shinnecock have been under par, and just three players have finished the tournament under par.
The course setup has been controversial in the past, with players accusing the USGA of losing control in 2004 and 2018. This year, USGA's John Bodenhamer acknowledged past issues and implemented changes, including watering the greens to prevent drying.
McIlroy, a six-time major winner, started on the 10th and notched two early birdies. Despite bogeys at the 13th and 16th, he remained composed, telling Sky Sports that the conditions were "consistent." He highlighted his round with a stunning eagle on the par-five fifth, hitting a 396-yard drive and a second shot to 11 feet. He finished with a 69, the same score as playing partner Ludvig Aberg, while Tommy Fleetwood posted an even-par 70.
World number one Scottie Scheffler struggled to a two-over 72, with four birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey. His chase for a career Grand Slam—only seven players have achieved it—got off to a rocky start.
The treacherous par-three 11th caught Keegan Bradley's ball, rolling it back into a bunker. Graeme McDowell, who called Shinnecock a "torture chamber," birdied two holes early but finished at six-over 76.
American Keith Mitchell made history, shooting a 41 on the front nine and a 29 on the back nine—the first player to break 30 after a 40-plus front nine—to finish at even par.
Adam Scott became only the second man to play 100 consecutive majors, joining Jack Nicklaus, and opened with a 73. Brooks Koepka, the last winner at Shinnecock, also shot 73. JJ Spaun, playing with Scheffler, posted a 77 without a single birdie.