Scottie Scheffler opens U.S. Open with 71, leaving him in contention but with ground to make up
Scottie Scheffler began his pursuit of the U.S. Open title on Thursday with a 1-over 71, leaving the world's top-ranked player in contention but with some ground to make up
By Dave Skretta
Published - Jun 13, 2024, 07:46 PM ET
Last Updated - Jun 13, 2024, 07:46 PM EDT
PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler spent his opening round at the U.S. Open in a strange situation.
He was over par.
The world's top-ranked player had played 21 holes all season when he was over par for a tournament, yet that's where Scheffler found himself after a bogey at the par-4 third on Thursday. He spent the rest of the day over par, too, balancing a pair of birdies with two more bogeys for a 1-over 71 that left him in contention but with ground to make up.
His playing partner, Rory McIlroy, shot a bogey-free 65 that put him in a tie with Patrick Cantlay atop the leaderboard at tough Pinehurst No. 2. The third player in their powerhouse trio, PGA champ Xander Schauffele, finished at even-par.
