Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay share the lead of the US Open after the first round played Thursday at Pinehurst. The legend Tiger Woods, for his part, once again experienced a complicated first round.
Rory McIlroy, world No. 3, returned a card with 5 birdies and no bogey. ‘I’m happy with my departure,’ commented the 35-year-old Northern Irishman, winner of the US Open in 2011 and a quest for a first Major since 2014.
Patrick Cantlay, looking for a first major trophy, signed three birdies on his last five holes of the day to find himself level with McIlroy, one stroke ahead of the Swede Ludvig Aberg (3rd). World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, winner of the prestigious Masters in April, is 34th, six shots from the lead.
Tiger Woods is in 87th position, 9 shots behind. The man with 15 Majors is playing his third major tournament this season, a year after ankle surgery. His return to competition since February is not yet conclusive with a 60th place at the Masters then an unsuccessful cut at the PGA Championship in May.
Step by step
‘I wasn’t as sharp as I hoped,’ said Woods, a three-time winner of the tournament (2000, 2002 and 2008). ‘I’m improving physically little by little this year. I just haven’t been able to play much because I don’t want to jeopardize my chances of playing in the Majors.’
‘It’s a dilemma. Playing a lot with the risk of getting hurt and not playing (the tournaments) or not playing and fighting to find your form,’ he added.
/ATS
