Thursday, June 15, 2017

U.S. Open 2017 leaderboard: Rickie Fowler sets morning pace with course-record 65

Posted by Doc Fantasy
Thursday, June 15, 2017 | 0 comments

Remember all the fuss over the fescue? Erin Hills is yielding low scores so far on Thursday — except for the last two winners of this event.

The story was supposed to be the golf course. Through half a day at the U.S. Open, it’s about the stars at the top of the leaderboard. In fact, the lamentations and handwringing about Erin Hills’ thick fescue perhaps seems like much ado about nothing.

Still in search of his first major win, Rickie Fowler sits two shots clear of all others after firing a 7-under, course-record 65 to open America’s national championship. It was a flawless, bogey-free round for Fowler and a masterful ball-striking performance at a track that’ll demand such for anyone that hopes to take home the title on Father’s Day. Rickie only missed two of Erin Hills’ commercial-jet-landing-strip-sized fairways — nearly a prerequisite for contention this week. If you’re looking for a compelling tournament, one of the game’s biggest names at the top puts us well on our way this weekend.

To 7 under he goes... https://t.co/uTY2kmbAZv
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2017

Yet there’s quality just behind Fowler, as well. American Ryder Cup fan favorite Brooks Koepka turned in a round of 5-under par alongside Brian Harman and Tommy Fleetwood, while Patrick Reed might be finally peeking his head into contention at a major championship just a shot behind that group at 4-under. But, remember: It’s early. This will change.

The morning wasn’t quite as kind to two of the tournament’s favorites — and the last two U.S. Open Champions. Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson both sit well off the pace after rounds of 1-over and 3-over par, respectively. Both will have to scrap to make the weekend tomorrow — especially Johnson, as the world No. 1 sits in a tie for 99th to start the afternoon wave.

One hot start to the afternoon rounds? Masters champ Sergio Garcia (that still feels weird to type) sits at 2-under through two holes after an eagle start to his opening round at the par-5 first. I’m extremely here for the Sergio Slam, and you should be too. He’s your low round on the golf course for the moment, but we’re just getting started with the second set of groupings.