McIlroy Overcomes Bunker Frustration to Share Early Lead at U.S. Open

Rory McIlroy, coming off a win last week at the RBC Canadian Open and two top-10s at this year’s prior majors, is off to a great start at the U.S. Open, sharing the lead with several others at -3 after early action on Thursday at The Country Club at Brookline in suburban Boston.

The round wasn’t without its share of drama, however, as McIlroy showed more outward frustration than possibly ever before—on a hole that he parred! A tee shot on the drivable par-4 fifth hole landed in the tall grass just out of the bunker, leading to an awkward and difficult second shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The shot did not go the way McIlroy drew up in his head. What isn’t shown, however, is that the 21-time PGA Tour winner hit his third shot out of the sand to 12 feet away from the cup, and he made the putt to save par.

He then birdied holes 7 and 8 before giving one back on the ninth. At 1-under through 15, McIlroy birdied two of the final three holes to finish the day at a 3-under 67. After finishing second at the Masters, McIlroy was also the first-round leader at the PGA Championship before finishing eighth.

Joel Dahmen, David Lingmerth, and Callum Tarren all finished at 3-under as well.

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