The U.S. Open is traditionally known to be extremely difficult, truly testing the resolve and composure of the top players in the world. However, that was not the case in the opening round of the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, and the golf world has taken notice.
Many golfers had an extremely impressive opening round, including the big names most would expect near the top of the leaderboard.
LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson impressed with an opening round 64 to put his name in contention. PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy also had an extremely impressive round, shooting a 65 in the opening round.
Two shots back. Three rounds to go. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/GEXuTJJdi7
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2023
Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele had the best rounds of the day, both shooting a 62 which is the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship event.
Records were made to be broken!@RickieFowler and @XSchauffele's historic 62s earned them @Lexus Top Performance of the Day co-honors. #LexusGolf pic.twitter.com/1wOixIfefH
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2023
While there were still some pretty rough rounds out there for some, it was on average far easier course than we have seen from most U.S. Open events in the past.
The field scoring average for the day at LACC was 71.39, which is the lowest first-round scoring average by nearly a full stroke.
It was also not as bad for the players that didn’t have their best game. It is the first U.S. Open where no player shot a round of 80 or higher in the opening round.
Good question.
We have never had a round 1 or round 2 in the U.S. Open without a single score of 80+.
We haven't had one yet today. https://t.co/p51aajaYW1
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) June 16, 2023
It was obvious to the golf world that this is not your typical U.S. Open, and many took to social media to share their opinions on the low scoring on Thursday.
I know it’s the U.S. Open, and the scoring should be low. But I don’t care, I am absolutely loving this
(Would be cool if it got gnarly on the weekend tho)
— The Flyer Lie (@The_Flyer_Lie) June 16, 2023
First round scoring averages at the U.S. Open since '91, sorted by score relative to par.
We are at +1.47 right now but trending down quickly. pic.twitter.com/JpPKiEI5xJ
— data golf (@DataGolf) June 15, 2023
Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele BOTH broke the single-round scoring record at the U.S Open today 🤯⛳️
They each shot a blazing 62 (-8) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PAXWwYdmx9
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 16, 2023
Rickie sets the low U.S. Open record of 62. Ties the all-time low major record.
For anyone freaking out about low scoring, remember, Grace shot that 62 at the 2017 Open and still finished just 4-under for the week. Spieth was the only player to finish double digits under. Only 3…
— Riggs (@RiggsBarstool) June 15, 2023
PGA Tour star Max Homa, who shot 68 on Thursday, actually holds the course record from his days in college. He shot a 61 at the course during the Pac-12 Championship in 2013. He was asked about the low scoring following his round on Thursday, where he seemed adamant that things will get more difficult as the week goes on.
“I’m just trying to remind myself that it is a very hard course and it’s very early in the week. You have to play your game and kinda just wait.”
“It’s a very hard course and it’s early in the week”
Max Homa talks with Jason Sobel about some of the record low scoring in round one and why he has to remain patient out there.
@maxhoma23 I @JasonSobelTAN I @usopengolf pic.twitter.com/tL8iPCaSsU
— Masters Radio on SiriusXM (@SiriusXMPGATOUR) June 16, 2023
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.