Oakmont didn’t wait long to show its teeth. On Thursday, at the start of the 125th U.S. Open, the course once again confirmed its status as golf’s greatest test. Brutally fast greens – rolling at over 15 on the Stimpmeter – and an unforgiving layout turned even the world’s best into survivors.

J.J. Spaun – Calm in the ChaosWhile the field battled for balance, J.J. Spaun found his rhythm early and never let go. With a flawless, bogey-free 66 (-4), he took the solo lead, navigating Oakmont’s fierce greens with exceptional touch. Where others collapsed on the back nine, Spaun delivered a masterclass in patience, position, and poise.

Chasing the LeaderJust behind Spaun: Thriston Lawrence (-3), showing once again that major pressure doesn’t faze him. Brooks Koepka (-2), Jon Rahm (-1), and Si Woo Kim (-1) all stayed within striking distance, thanks to smart shot selection and the discipline to avoid Oakmont’s cruelest traps. One theme was clear: aggressive golf was punished, while those who respected the course were rewarded.

Big Names Under FireScottie Scheffler (+3) struggled with speed and feel on the greens, missing three putts inside six feet. His ball-striking was sharp—but Oakmont exposed every putting flaw.
Rory McIlroy (+4), fresh off a Masters triumph, looked strong early but unraveled late. A tangle with the "Church Pews" bunker and four bogeys in his last six holes left him scrambling to make the cut.
Bryson DeChambeau (+3) endured both physical and mental tests. A sprinkler-head relief controversy on hole 4 led to a lengthy rules discussion—an unwelcome distraction in already punishing conditions.

When the Game Turns WildShane Lowry delivered the shot of the day with an eagle hole-out on the par-4 3rd—then self-destructed with missed putts and errors. Reports vary, but he finished at either +7 or +9. In frustration, he smashed a mic on 16. A moment of raw emotion that summed up Day One’s chaos.
Patrick Reed stunned the field with a rare double eagle on hole 4, the first albatross at a U.S. Open since 2014. And amateur Maxwell Moldovan etched his name in history by becoming the first player to eagle Oakmont’s opening hole.

Today: The Day That Decides EverythingFriday is Cut Day. The top 60 and ties will survive to the weekend. Many stars hover around the cutline—and the pressure is mounting.

Key afternoon pairings (CEST):

• 17:52 – Spaun, Kim, Pendrith
• 18:14 – Rahm, Koepka, Lowry
• 18:47 – Scheffler, Fowler, Scott
• 19:09 – McIlroy, Åberg, Schauffele

Course Conditions – Only TougherWith forecast temps of 28–29°C (83–85°F), the afternoon sun will firm up the greens even more. Players teeing off early may catch a break. By sunset, Oakmont will once again separate contenders from pretenders.

Final ThoughtOakmont doesn’t care about name or number. It demands control, clarity, and character. Day One delivered a brutal reminder: only those who embrace the grind will remain.

And Day Two? That’s where the real tournament begins.

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