The US Open is underway at Shinnecock Hills, and Rory McIlroy has made a promising start in his quest for a second title. The Northern Irishman posted an opening score of one-under-par, placing him among just 17 players to break par on a challenging course. Wyndham Clark leads by four strokes at six-under, but history shows fortunes can change quickly—Brooks Koepka won here in 2018 with a score of one-over.
McIlroy's Bonus Mentality
McIlroy described his three birdies and an eagle on the fifth hole as bonuses. Reflecting on his round, he said, "It was a day to really just keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it, which is exactly what I did eight years ago here. I went out with the mindset that pars were going to be good, and if you could pick up a couple of birdies here and there, that’s always a bonus." The 37-year-old, who won the US Open in 2011, is targeting his seventh major title.
Jason Day Withdraws
Former world number one Jason Day withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury. The 38-year-old Australian was seven-over after 10 holes before deciding not to finish his round. It marks the 12th time Day has withdrawn from an event due to injury. He was runner-up to McIlroy in the 2011 US Open and shared second place with Phil Mickelson in 2013.
