Rory McIlroy Shares U.S. Open Lead with Nemesis Patrick Cantlay at Pinehurst

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay emerged as co-leaders after an eventful opening round at the U.S. Open, held at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy’s impeccable 65, marked by a walk-in birdie putt, showcased his control and consistency on the challenging course. Meanwhile, Cantlay’s steady performance, including two lengthy birdie putts, sealed his share of the lead.

Notable players faced varying challenges on the course, with Scottie Scheffler struggling to maintain his form, Collin Morikawa battling double bogeys, and Tyrrell Hatton’s unconventional birdie after accidentally dropping his club on impact. However, Ludvig Aberg, in his U.S. Open debut, impressed with his 66.

Rory McIlroy’s bogey-free start, reminiscent of his major wins, highlighted his advantage in precise iron shots and strategic play. Among the leaderboard, players like Bryson DeChambeau and Matthieu Pavon also showed promise, emphasizing the competitive field.

While Sergio Garcia‘s steady round and Cantlay’s impressive display set the stage for a challenging tournament, veteran Dustin Johnson and newcomer Brooks Koepka faced obstacles. The tournament’s unpredictable nature was further emphasized by Viktor Hovland‘s remarkable par save amidst the course’s difficulty.