Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy got off to a good start in the third major tournament of the year. The Northern Irish golf star needed 67 strokes for the 18 holes at the start of the 122nd US Open in Brookline/Massachusetts and finished his first round three strokes under par.
McIlroy, who was able to win the dress rehearsal in Toronto/Canada, had to record a bogey on his last hole, but the world number three managed birdies on holes seven, eight, 17 and 18. McIlroy has been waiting for his fifth major win since 2014.
Meanwhile, defending champion Jon Rahm had a rather mixed opening round. The Spaniard played a round of 69 and was just one stroke under par after his first 18 holes.
The German professional Marcel Schneider got off to a weak start. The 32-year-old needed 78 strokes for the 18 holes and was already eight strokes over par after his first round. Apart from Schneider, only Yannik Paul (Viernheim) from Germany is at the start.
The US Open is all about the divided world of golf. After the PGA made good on its threat last week and initially banned 17 participants of the controversial Saudi Tour LIV from their competitions, the renegade professionals are part of the third major of the year. The organizing US Golf Association (USGA) had refused to change its qualification criteria at short notice. The USGA had to take heavy criticism for this.