Stunning Pebble Beach Golf Links had Major champions challenging, a hole-in-one and much more as the U.S. Open Championship got under way.
Here's everything you need to know from Thursday in California.
Rose blooms at the beach
Justin Rose has long spoken of his desire to be a multiple Major champion and an opening 65 moved him one step closer to achieving that goal. The 2013 winner produced a birdie-birdie-birdie finish to move to six under and open up a one shot lead over Louis Oosthuizen, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele and Aaron Wise. The only other player to have started a U.S. Open at Pebble Beach with a 65 was Tiger Woods in 2000 when he went on to win by 15 shots. It's unlikely Rose can produce that emphatic a victory but any record shared with the Big Cat has to be a good omen.
BOOM!! 🌹@JustinRose99 takes the lead on Day 1 after a putting clinic sees him to a 6 under par 65 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/zbUl8kFIUf
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 14, 2019
Sabbatini chases the ace
Slovakia's Rory Sabbatini got the biggest cheer of the day as he recorded a hole-in-one at the par three 12th. He saw his tee shot take a bounce before the green, a bounce on the green and then go straight into the cup. Sabbatini's ace was not only the 16th of the season but the 45th in U.S. Open history and the eighth at Pebble Beach.
Former champions stalking
It was nine years ago that Graeme McDowell won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach to win his only Major Championship so far. His recent return to form has moved him to the brink of breaking back into the top 100 on the Official World Ranking and he maintained that momentum with a bogey free 69. Defending two time champion Brooks Koepka and German Martin Kaymer were also at two under, with Rory McIlroy one shot ahead. Will this year's name on the trophy be new or old?
Viva Espana
Spain has produced some of the greatest players of the last 40 years but no Spaniard has ever won the U.S. Open. After day one out west, Adri Arnaus, Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm were at two under with Rafa Cabrera Bello just a shot behind. That group is comprised of Ryder Cup stars, Major champions, a star on his way up and a hungry youngster. That ticks a lot of boxes for potential winners.
Woodland walks the walk
We're used to spectacular footwear on the European Tour with Scott Hend, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Ian Poulter all known to bring a splash of colour to their spikes on a regular basis. Well on Thursday, Gary Woodland gave them a run for their money with this patriotic effort at his home open. Well played, sir.
