Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele both shot a 62 on Thursday to set a new record for the lowest score in a round at the US Open. The two Americans are tied for the lead at 7-under par, five strokes ahead of the nearest pursuers.
Fowler, who has never won a major championship, started his round with a bogey on the first hole, but he quickly recovered with birdies on the next three holes. He then birdied five of the next eight holes to make the turn at 5-under par. Fowler picked up two more birdies on the back nine to finish with a 62.
Schauffele, who won the Travelers Championship last month, was even par through his first six holes, but he then birdied five of the next seven holes to make the turn at 4-under par. He birdied two of the last three holes to finish with a 62.
The two Americans are the only players in the field to break 70 on Thursday. The nearest pursuers are Paul Barjon, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau, who are all tied for third at 2-under par.
The US Open is a four-round tournament, and there is still a long way to go. However, Fowler and Schauffele have certainly made a statement with their opening rounds. They will be the favorites to win the tournament heading into the weekend.
Here are some other notable scores from the first round:
- Rory McIlroy shot a 3-under 67.
- Justin Thomas shot a 2-under 68.
- Brooks Koepka shot a 1-under 69.
- Phil Mickelson shot a 1-under 69.
The second round of the US Open will be played on Friday. Tee times will begin at 10:00 AM ET.