Recap of Day One at the 114th US Open

2014USOpenLogo_svg The 114th US Open has returned to Pinehurst No. 2 and within the first day of play there has been a share of disappointments to go along with pleasant surprises just like any other major tournament. While most of the players have stayed in a close pack ranging from +1 to -2, Martin Kaymer has separated himself from the pack after a strong first day that has given him a three stroke lead with him sitting at -5.

With 15 players in the red along with 21 at even par the field still remains open for the gap between themselves and Kaymer to close. With nine of the 15 golfers in the red representing the United States, the US has definitely been well represented in their own tournament.

The most pleasant surprise in the Open has been the leader Martin Kaymer who caught fire in the back nine to place him in great position for the remainder of the tournament. Using birdies on 14, 16, and 17 Kaymer separated himself from the pack and allowed him to register a 65, which is the lowest score for a round in the two other times the US Open has been played at Pinehurst No. 2.

The highest scoring American is in fact of Asian descent, in Kevin Na who is tied for the second with a first round score of 68. Na fueled his good start with an eagle on the par 5 fifth hole. The other American that shot an opening round 68 was Fran Quinn who at the age of 49 had an impressive day that included four birdies.

With number 2 world ranked Henrik Stenson and world ranked 13 Hideki Matsuyama waiting in the wings at one under par Friday could be a big day for International players to make a move.

The heavy favorite Phil Mickelson shot a solid round that saw him register three birdies and three bogeys to keep him at even par. As long as Phil is able to stay within striking distances of the lead he will remain very dangerous.

The biggest disappointments from Thursday’s action mainly came from one trio. The trio of number 1 ranked Adam Scott, Bubba Watson, and Charl Schwartzel had come into the tournament as the most interesting group as they all were responsible for the last four Masters wins. Scott after a very poor day putting is sitting at three over par and Bubba Watson, who complained about the course earlier in the week, probably had the most disappointing day as he finished it five over par while only registering one birdie.

Brandt Snedeker lead all players with six birdies on the day however he collapsed on holes 10 through 12 as he shot four over par in that span which resulted in him shooting a 69 for the day. So far the easiest hole has been the par 5 fifth hole and the hardest has been the par 4 eleventh.

With the cut currently sitting at two over par veterans such as Bubba Watson and Adam Scott need to have strong rounds on Friday if they wish to continue on the quest for the 114th US Open.

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Brian Hradsky

The owner of MSB, I created this website while in college and it has never died.

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