OAKMONT, PA — The opening round of the 2024 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club proved to be a brutal test for the world's best golfers, with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler among the high-profile names struggling to keep pace with early leader JJ Spaun.
A Brutal Start for the Favorites
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who entered the tournament as the overwhelming favorite, carded a disappointing 3-over 73, while Rory McIlroy—still chasing his first major victory in a decade—posted a 2-over 72. Both players found Oakmont’s notoriously fast greens and punishing rough too much to handle early on. "It’s just relentless out there," McIlroy admitted after his round. "Every shot feels like you’re walking a tightrope."
Scheffler, who has dominated the PGA Tour this season with four wins, uncharacteristically struggled with his putter, missing three key birdie opportunities inside 10 feet. "I just couldn’t get anything to drop," he said. "The greens are so firm that even good shots can end up in tough spots."
JJ Spaun Seizes the Early Lead
While the stars faltered, JJ Spaun—ranked 89th in the world—delivered a masterclass in precision, shooting a 4-under 66 to take the clubhouse lead. Spaun, who has just one PGA Tour win to his name, credited his conservative strategy for his success. "You can’t force anything here," he said. "I just tried to keep it in play and take my chances when they came."
Spaun’s round included:
- Four birdies and zero bogeys on the back nine
- A remarkable 85% fairways hit
- Just 26 putts, the fewest of any player in the field
Oakmont’s Relentless Challenge
Oakmont, widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in major championship history, lived up to its reputation. The scoring average for the first round was a staggering 75.2, with only 12 players breaking par. The key challenges included:
- Greens rolling at over 14 on the Stimpmeter
- Deep, penal rough that swallowed errant drives
- Narrow fairways that demanded precision off the tee
Defending champion Wyndham Clark, who shot a 1-over 71, summed it up best: "This is the kind of course where you’re happy just to survive. If you finish under par for the week, you’ll probably be holding the trophy."
Can McIlroy and Scheffler Recover?
Despite their slow starts, both McIlroy and Scheffler remain within striking distance. McIlroy, who has struggled in recent majors despite strong regular-season form, insisted he wasn’t panicking. "It’s a marathon, not a sprint," he said. "I’ve been in this position before and come back strong."
Scheffler, meanwhile, remained characteristically composed. "I just need to clean up a few things," he said. "If I can get the putter going, I know I can make up ground quickly."
Looking Ahead to Round Two
With Spaun setting the early pace, the pressure now shifts to the chasing pack. Other notable performances included:
- Ludvig Åberg (-2), the Swedish rookie continuing his impressive major debut streak
- Bryson DeChambeau (-1), who relied on his power game to navigate the rough
- Xander Schauffele (E), grinding out a solid round despite erratic driving
As the tournament progresses, Oakmont’s difficulty is expected to increase, with firmer greens and tougher pin positions likely. "This is the kind of test that separates the contenders from the pretenders," said ESPN analyst Paul Azinger. "Only the mentally toughest will survive."
Conclusion: A Major Unlike Any Other
The U.S. Open is renowned for its punishing setups, and Oakmont is delivering exactly that. While Spaun’s lead is impressive, history suggests that consistency—not a single hot round—will decide the winner. For McIlroy and Scheffler, the challenge is clear: adapt quickly or risk falling further behind.
As the sun set on Day One, one thing was certain: Oakmont had already established itself as the star of the show. "This place doesn’t give you anything," Spaun said. "You have to earn every single shot."
