J.J. Spaun Leads U.S. Open After Bogey-Free 4-under 66

J.J. Spaun, a 34-year-old golfer, has made an impressive start at the U.S. Open, leading the pack after the first round. This is only his second appearance at the event, and he has managed to secure a one-shot lead on one of the toughest courses in golf, Oakmont. Spaun's performance was marked by a bogey-free round and a score of 4-under 66, which matched the low opening round at Oakmont set by Andrew Landry in 2016.

Spaun's success can be attributed to his exceptional putting skills, as he holed five par putts ranging from 7 feet to 16 feet, along with four birdies. His steady hand and ability to convert crucial putts have been key factors in his performance. Spaun himself was surprised by his round, stating that he didn't expect to play bogey-free and finish 4 under. He also mentioned that not having high expectations might have worked in his favor.

Oakmont lived up to its reputation as a challenging course, with a scoring average of about 74.6. The course was relatively soft due to rain, but the moderate wind and tough rough made it a brutal test of golf. Many top players struggled, including Scottie Scheffler, who had more bogeys in one round than he had in the entire tournament when he won the Memorial. Patrick Reed made the first albatross in 11 years at the U.S. Open but finished with a triple bogey. Bryson DeChambeau also had a tough time, taking four shots from the rough to get to the green on the par-5 12th hole.

Despite the challenges, Spaun's performance stood out. He started his round by chipping in from ankle-deep rough just right of the 10th green and finished strong, walking down the 18th fairway with a 4-under score. His round was a testament to his skill and resilience, as he managed to navigate the tough course and maintain his lead.

Other notable performances included Thriston Lawrence of South Africa, who had six birdies in a round of 67, and Brooks Koepka, who looked like his old self with a score of 68. Koepka, a five-time major champion, has not contended in a major since winning the PGA Championship in 2023, but his performance at Oakmont showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

The U.S. Open is known for its tough conditions, and Oakmont is no exception. The course allowed for plenty of birdies and excitement, but it also doled out plenty of punishment. Spaun's ability to make crucial putts and avoid bogeys was a key factor in his success. He acknowledged that his putting was one of the best he has had all year, and that converting those putts was huge for momentum and keeping his round going.

Spaun's performance at the U.S. Open is a testament to his skill and resilience. He has shown that he can compete with the best in the world, even on one of the toughest courses in golf. As the tournament continues, Spaun will need to maintain his focus and continue to make crucial putts to stay at the top of the leaderboard. With three more days of play ahead, the U.S. Open is sure to be an exciting and challenging event for all the players involved.