Former champion Collin Morikawa took the lead at the US Open of golf pros in Brookline/Massachusetts with the best round of the tournament.
The 25-year-old Californian, who celebrated his first major triumph at the tournament in 2020, played a 66 on the par-70 course and is tied with his US compatriot Joel Dahmen with 135 strokes.
But behind the duo lurk top-class pursuers. World number two and defending champion Jon Rahm from Spain and third-placed Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, like three other players, had 136 strokes, followed by industry leader and US Masters winner Scottie Scheffler (USA) a further stroke behind.
“It’s great for golf”
“These are the US Open. No one has rushed so far,” said leader Morikawa, who also won the British Open last year.
Rahm, who shared the round with Morikawa, said: “It’s great for golf to have the best players up front, especially in a tournament where the very best will ultimately win.”
Rory McIlroy could have been among the leaders if he hadn’t caught an early double bogey. His tee shot on the third hole landed in waist-high grass, after two unsuccessful shots the ball finally landed on the green, with a long putt it was at least two losses.
McIlroy, who has been waiting for his fifth major win since 2014, is nevertheless very confident. “You’re playing against the best and you want to get the best out of yourself,” said the Briton, “that’s the heart of this game. I’m happy to still be up there with them.”
Disappointing performance by Phil Mickelson
The two German starters are no longer there. Yannick Paul failed with 150 strokes just as clearly on the cut (143) as Marcel Schneider, who even needed 157 strokes for the first two rounds.
Phil Mickelson (USA) showed a disappointing performance. The six-time major champion, who had recently caused discussions with his participation in the new golf series financed by Saudi Arabia, was also eliminated early after a round of 73 with a total of 151 strokes.
The US Open is all about the divided world of golf. After the US players’ association PGA carried out its threat last week and initially excluded 17 participants of the controversial Saudi Tour LIV from their competitions, the renegade professionals are part of the third major of the year.