By Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay have set the pace at the US Open 2024, both scoring 65 in the first round at Pinehurst No 2. McIlroy, in pursuit of his fifth major title and first since 2014, played a flawless round with five birdies. Cantlay matched him, finishing strong with three birdies in the last five holes.
Ludvig Åberg made an impressive debut, just one stroke behind the leaders. Meanwhile, world No 1 Scottie Scheffler is six shots back, and Tiger Woods struggled to a 74.
McIlroy’s bogey-free start is his first at the US Open since his 2011 victory. Cantlay’s performance was nearly as clean, with six birdies offset by a single bogey. Bryson DeChambeau and Matthieu Pavon are also in contention, though DeChambeau missed a crucial par putt to fall back.
Other notable performances include Tyrrell Hatton and Tony Finau’s 68s, Sergio Garcia’s 69, and Collin Morikawa’s recovery to par. Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka are five shots behind the leaders, with Schauffele’s round marked by equal numbers of birdies and bogeys, and Scheffler facing challenges off the tee. The tournament is off to an exciting start, with McIlroy and Cantlay leading a competitive field.
