Much of the shine as of late for LIV Golf has gone to Brooks Koepka after his PGA Championship victory back in May. However, it was Dustin Johnson that was the best LIV player in the field during round one of the 2023 U.S. Open, tying an impressive record held by Tiger Woods in the process.
Conditions were far easier than some expected at a U.S. Open event, which Johnson took full advantage of with a terrific round.
Johnson poured in seven birdies on the day en route to shooting a 64, which is just two strokes behind the first-round co-leaders Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler.
Two shots back. Three rounds to go. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/GEXuTJJdi7
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2023
Johnson’s only bogey came on his final hole of the day, which set him back to a tie for third place instead of holding third on his own.
Most view Brooks Koepka as the biggest “big-game hunter” in golf, typically showing up in a big way in major championships. However, Dustin Johnson has two major victories in his own right, and has now tied an impressive major championship record held by Tiger Woods.
This round of 64 on Thursday marks the 10th round of 65 or better in a major championship since 2011, according to golf writer Justin Ray. Only he and Tiger hold that honor.
Johnson's 10 rounds of 65 or lower in majors in his career tie Tiger Woods for most all-time.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) June 16, 2023
One of Johnson’s three major victories did come at the U.S. Open back in 2016, so he has certainly shown in the past that he can continue this success and come away with the win.