USGA Plans Revenge After Fowler and Schauffele Make Short Work of LA Country Club

Thursday’s first round of the U.S. Open was the third major of the year in name only. The historically difficult conditions were not present over the first 18 holes.

The scoring average of 71.3 was the lowest first round in the U.S. Open’s 127-year history—by nearly a full stroke.

Helping bring that average down were Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele carding the first-ever 62s in U.S. Open history. Fowler set the record and held it by himself before welcoming the 2020 Olympic gold medalist into the club just under a half hour later.

Do this again tomorrow @RickieFowler ? https://t.co/7eY2SFH91u

— Xander Schauffele (@XSchauffele) June 15, 2023

Fowler earned his way into the field after getting into the world’s top 50 following a ninth-place finish at The Memorial. He didn’t qualify for this tournament a year ago but has 10 top-20s in 13 starts this year.

“It’s not really what you expect playing a U.S. Open,” Schauffele said, “but monkey see, monkey do. Was just chasing Rickie up the leaderboard. Glad he was just in front of me.”

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The weather helped a little bit, as the morning groups (which included Fowler and Schauffele) played after a fresh drizzle that slowed the greens down.

Now, the question is how will the USGA respond in today’s round two and the weekend.

“I think the USGA will be a bit frustrated that the number was that low today,” Scheffler said.

“I’m sure after Rickie did what he did they will make it quite a bit harder for us,” added Max Homa.

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“We haven’t thrown in the towel, that’s for sure,” John Bodenhamer, USGA’s chief championships officer, said. “It’s going to be tough. That is what we do.”

Firmness ⬆️

Work begins the moment play stops. Check this out, maintenance crew out here double cutting, fixing ball marks and making sure these greens will be running for round 2! #USOpen2023 @usopengolf @USGA pic.twitter.com/TjiB5idTQT

— Brad Faxon (@BradFaxon) June 16, 2023

The forecast for the remainder of the tournament is dry, so expect faster and firmer greens to provide more of a challenge.

Cover Image via Twitter