Rory McIlroy, Cantlay Tied for US Open Lead; Woods at +4

On Friday morning Beijing time, the third major of the year, the US Open, concluded its first round at Pine Needles Course No. 2. Facing a challenging layout, only 15 players finished under par. American Patrick Cantlay carded six birdies and one bogey, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy had five birdies and no bogeys, both tying the course US Open record for an 18-hole round. Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg finished in solo third place with a 66 (-4); Pavon, DeChambeau were -3 tied for fourth; Finau, Hatton, and Batia were -2 tied for sixth. Seven players, including Sergio Garcia, were tied for ninth at -1.

Tiger Woods shot a +4, tied for 86th place.

“Iceman” and McKingdom Tied for the Lead

McIlroy’s first round included five birdies and a bogey-free 65, with birdies on holes 4, 5, 10, 16, and 18, putting him alongside Cantlay in the lead, equaling the 18-hole record at Pine Needles for the US Open.

This week, McIlroy aims for his fifth major title; he has finished in the top 10 in the US Open for five consecutive years, including last year’s runner-up finish.

He will face off against current sensations Scheffler and Schauffele in the first two rounds, representing the pinnacle of world golf today.

“I love this grouping,” McIlroy said. “When you play professional golf, whether it’s your 16th year or your 17th, sometimes you need that little extra bit to spark your competitive juices, and this definitely helps.”

Cantlay had just one bogey and six birdies, including two from 20 feet, to start with a 65 (-5) in the first round.

Since returning from a severe back injury in 2017, Cantlay has had only one real chance to win a major – the 2019 Masters, where he has recorded four top-10 finishes in 26 major appearances.

His most recent major performance was a tie for 53rd at the PGA Championship. “My team and I are working hard,” the reserved “Iceman” commented regarding his recent major performances.

Leaderboard Action

Swedish rising star Ludvig Aberg showcased his talent once again in a major, finishing alone in third after the first round with six birdies and two bogeys.

This is Aberg’s first appearance at the US Open; two months ago, he finished runner-up in his Masters debut.

“Whatever I do, whether it’s in the gym or anytime, I try to do it the right way. I believe that will lead to good results,” Aberg said in his post-round interview.

Tiger Woods had two birdies and six bogeys for a +4 round, placing him tied for 86th. Woods will strive to make the cut in round two, still believing he can win. To triumph this week, he’ll have to put in a massive effort.

“As time goes on, my body feels better,” Tiger said after the round. “I just can’t play that many events because I don’t want to get injured before a major and not be able to compete. That’s the way I’ve chosen to manage it. Playing too much could mean not competing, and playing less could mean not being sharp enough.”