Rory McIlroy’s first eagle at a US Open in nine years left him one off the lead held by American Sam Stevens at Shinnecock Hills.
A 396-yard drive and a pitching wedge to 11 feet demolished the 597-yard fifth hole, playing downwind, and made him the first player to get to three under in testing conditions on a fog-delayed first day.
The last time he had carded a three on a par-five was at Erin Hills in 2017 but the omens were not good on that occasion as he went on to miss the cut, although that prospect looked less likely here after a one-under 69.
However, he could not maintain his position and a sloppy finish saw him card back-to-back bogeys. At the time he holed his last putt just 12 players were under par, and nine were still out on the course.
Little-known 29-year-old Stevens, yet to win on the PGA Tour in 115 events, posted the clubhouse lead on two under.
A 396-yard drive and a pitching wedge to 11 feet demolished the 597-yard fifth hole, playing downwind, and made him the first player to get to three under in testing conditions on a fog-delayed first day.
The last time he had carded a three on a par-five was at Erin Hills in 2017 but the omens were not good on that occasion as he went on to miss the cut, although that prospect looked less likely here after a one-under 69.
However, he could not maintain his position and a sloppy finish saw him card back-to-back bogeys. At the time he holed his last putt just 12 players were under par, and nine were still out on the course.
Little-known 29-year-old Stevens, yet to win on the PGA Tour in 115 events, posted the clubhouse lead on two under.
3 days ago
