Shinnecock Proves to be a True US Open Test

After one round of play there are only four players that finished under par.  World number one Dustin Johnson, Russell Henley, Scott Piercy and Ian Poulter are all tied for the lead at one under par.

Phil Mickelson (+7), Jordan Spieth (+8) and Rory McIlroy (+10) finish Thursday at a combined 25 over par. The wind, often gusting at 15-20 miles an hour, played a large role in the difficult scoring conditions.

Tiger Woods of the United States reacts on the 13th green during the…

Tiger Woods of the United States reacts on the 13th green during the first round of the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 14, 2018 in Southampton, New York. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Dustin Johnson hit 10 out of 14 fairways but only found the putting surface half the time in regulation. “From start to finish it was very difficult. You had to focus on every single shot you hit,” said Johnson. Johnson found one of his four birdies on the day after holing out of the bunker on the par 4 eighth hole. “I’m very pleased with the round. Anything under par on this Golf Course is very good,” said Johnson.”

When asked about the way that the USGA setup the course for the first round Johnson responded, “It was fair, it was hard but fair.”

Dustin Johnson of the United States waves on the 13th green during…

Dustin Johnson of the United States waves on the 13th green during the first round of the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 14, 2018 in Southampton, New York. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Tiger Woods got off to a terrible start with a triple bogey on the first hole. He followed with a bogey on the second hole to start the first round of the US Open at four over through two holes.

Woods really began to fall apart on 13 when he four putted for a double bogey. He would match the double bogey on the next hole after missing the fairway right and finding the deep fescue.

He hooked his second shot off of an uphill lie and once again found deep rough off of the fairway. He played 13 and 14 at four over par. He would par out into the clubhouse to card an eight over 78.

2018 U.S. Open: Tiger Woods’ First Round

Tiger Woods opened the 2018 U.S. Open with an 8-over-par 78 at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y. For more about the U.S. Open Championship, visit http://www.usopen.com.

Woods only hit nine out of 14 fairways and only found the green in regulation seven times. He is T137 in putts per green. “Today was the toughest day that we will have all week,” said Woods after singing his card.

Although being nine shots behind the leaders, Woods remained hopeful, “I shoot something in the 60s tomorrow and I’ll be just fine.”

Mickelson grinded out a seven over round of 77. He is first in driving accuracy after only missing one fairway on Thursday but only found the green in regulation half the time. Mickelson has his work set out for him on Friday as he will try to put something together to make the cut.

Phil Mickelson – 2018 U.S. Open – Round 1

Phil Mickelson First Round Highlights from the 118th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

McIlroy carded a 10 over 80 in the first round. He struggled off the tee all day. He only found the fairway half the time and hit the green in regulation an astonishing five times. However, he is first in putts per green. McIlroy has to have a special round on Friday to have any hope of playing on the weekend.

No Title

Rory McIlroy struggled in the opening round of the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, shooting a 10-over-par 80. For more about the U.S. Open Championship, visit http://www.usopen.com.

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