LOS ANGELES -- The United States Golf Association takes pride in providing the toughest challenge in men's professional golf. However, the first round of the 123rd U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club seemed more like a warm-up than a grueling examination.
For the first time in the tournament's 122-year history, a score of 62 was achieved. In fact, both Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele accomplished this feat within a mere 30 minutes. Fowler's performance was particularly noteworthy as he became the first player in U.S. Open history to record 10 birdies in a single round. The previous record was held by Justin Thomas, who scored nine birdies and one eagle at the 2017 U.S. Open.
The scoring average for the first round was 71.38, the lowest in the past 90 years of U.S. Open opening rounds, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This was surprising considering that LACC's North Course is a par-70 course. The previous lowest scoring average in the first round was 72.29 at Baltusrol in Springfield Township, New Jersey, back in 1993.
Aside from the record-breaking scores, there were several impressive performances, including two 64s, two 65s, seven 67s, and eleven 68s. Remarkably, not a single player scored in the 80s. This marks the first time in the first or second round of the U.S. Open that no player shot worse than 79, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The favorable scoring conditions can be attributed to the thick marine layer that blocked the sun, keeping the greens and fairways moist and receptive. Unless the Santa Ana winds make an unexpected appearance, it is unlikely that the weather will pose much of a challenge.
However, many golfers anticipate a tougher setup for the second round after witnessing the remarkable performances of Fowler and Schauffele in the opening round. Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, acknowledged that the course has more teeth and expects the difficulty level to increase in the coming days.
USGA officials will likely make adjustments to provide a more traditional and demanding test for the world's best players. While they won't place pins in the deep bunkers or barrancas during the final three rounds, the golfers can expect a greater challenge than what they experienced on Thursday.
It's worth noting that left-handed players have never won the U.S. Open. Phil Mickelson and Brian Harman, who came closest to achieving this feat, are both in contention at LACC. Harman's impressive 5-under 65 in the first round positions him well, while Mickelson, who can complete the career Grand Slam by winning the U.S. Open, had a decent start despite a couple of bogeys. Mickelson's strong performances at previous U.S. Opens have established him as a formidable contender.
Another noteworthy player is Sam Bennett, who made his mark as the low amateur at the Masters in April. In just his third start as a professional, Bennett recorded a 3-under 67 and finds himself tied for seventh place. Although he experienced a frustrating finish with bogeys on the last two holes, Bennett is confident in his abilities and comfortable on the big stage.
On the other hand, some prominent players struggled in the first round and will need to improve in the second round to secure their places for the weekend. Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Tom Kim, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose are among the notable names who will have to step up their game.
As the tournament progresses, players and spectators alike eagerly anticipate a more challenging and exciting
U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. The course is expected to firm up, and with it, the difficulty level will rise, providing a true test of skill and resilience.
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