After all the research I did about how tough the Los Angeles Country Club was going to play, it just goes to show you that anything can happen at the US Open Golf Championship. It was a birdiefest out there and no one can deny that the leaders after day one were on fire. With 154 players in the field who would have thought that 37 would be in red numbers and another 19 at even par! The scoring was amazing and the players that navigated the course best hit fairways and greens. This combination is key to shooting a low golf score at any time.

I reviewed the stats of the top six players (-5 or lower) and every player except one hit at least 15 greens in regulation. This stat is always king and the scores of the leading players reinforces this assessment. The players were amazing. I am particularly happy for Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele who are tied at -8. I did not select these two as possibly winners, but it is great to see them playing well enough to lead the field. All they have to do is repeat their stellar play for three more days and one of them will be walking away with the US Open Championship Trophy.

I was amazed at how far the players were hitting the ball in play. On the first hole Rory McIlroy hit a 385 yard drive to open his round. I mean that is a ridiculous distance at anytime, but at a Major….wow! And of course the two holes in one at the 15th.

Day one was amazing for scoring. I am not so confident that day two will be the same.

I am expecting the scores to be a few strokes higher for most players. The leaders might still ride the high of yesterday, but not everyone will be as successful. I think the number of players under par will remain about the same with a fair amount of shuffling round the par line. The pins will definitely be placed in more challenging locations as the tournament unfolds causing fits for some of the players. Regardless, the US Open Championship started off strong and I am looking forward to see who steps up today? Any thoughts?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!