Golfing News

It took until the afternoon wave of tee times, but there were finally 3 scores under 70 in Thursday’s opening round of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

England’s Paul Casey, American Shaun Micheel and Brendon De jonge each shot 2-under 69 to share the first-round lead, and each got there in different ways. Micheel and Casey both only hit 7 of 18 greens in regulation, but took just 23 putts to get around the greens, and each birdied the diabolical par-5 18th hole to get under 70.

De jonge was up and down like a wound rubber ball. He birdied three of the first nine holes to get to -3, only to give each one back. Then on the par-5 14th, he holed a fairway wedge shot for a shocking eagle, then after bogeying the 16th hole, the South African hit a 4-iron to the 222-yard par-3 17th and came inches from an ace.

Nine players broke par on Thursday, including Ryo Ishikawa, rocking an all-pink outfit, who shot 1-under 70 in the afternoon.

Among other noteable afternoon rounds: Kenny Perry (72), Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and defending champion Lucas Glover (73), Lee Westwood, Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods (74), and in his final U.S. Open appearance, Tom Watson (78).

With Woods tied for 49th and Mickeslon tied for 67th, it appears that Woods, Mr. World Number One, will get to keep his title until at least the British Open at St. Andrews, Lefty’s next chance to overtake Woods.

Popularity: 3% [?]

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR LATEST OFFERS