The opening day at majors tend to be hectic, and Thursday at the U. S. Open fit that mold perfectly. There was drama on the course (Rickie Fowler’s stunning start) as well as serious concerns off the course (a blimp crash) .
The opening day at majors tend to be hectic, and Thursday at the U. S. Open fit that mold perfectly.
There was drama on the course (Rickie Fowler’s stunning start) , serious concerns off the course (a blimp crash) , and even a bit of news about a guy who ended up not playing at all (Phil Mickelson) .
So what did you miss from Round 1 at Erin Hills? Here goes:
Sobel: Fowler next in line to shed major-less title?
A single round of golf — even a bogey-free 65 that gave him the early lead at the U. S. Open — won’t rid Rickie Fowler of the best player without a major win moniker. But it’s a great place to start. Read story — Jason Sobel
Blimp crashes near site of U. S. Open
In an ESPN.com exclusive interview with the man who pulled the blimp pilot to safety moments before it blew up, crew chief Matt Schmidt explained how he got pilot Trevor Thompson to safety just before the blimp’s propane tanks exploded. Read story — Ian O’Connor and Kevin Van Valkenburg
Photo of paramedics moving blimp crash victim to helicopter at the U. S. Open
Ian O’Connor, ESPN Senior Writer
No, Phil Mickelson’s quest for elusive U. S. Open isn’t over
Just because Phil Mickelson’s U. S. Open chase is on hiatus this year after he announced Thursday he would officially withdraw from the field at Erin Hills doesn’t mean he’s never going to win the only major that has eluded him. Read story — Jason Sobel
In U. S. Open debut Dru Love makes father/caddie Davis Love III proud
Dru Love doesn’t have any pro experience, but he shot a 71 in his first U. S. Open round. It certainly didn’t hurt having a caddie who has played in the tournament 23 times and is in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Read story — Bob Harig
Canadian Adam Hadwin just tied the U. S. Open consecutive birdie streak at six in a row! He birdied the 18th thru the 5th. This ties him with George Burns (1982) and Andy Dillard (1992) both of whom did their six in a row at Pebble Beach! Hadwin just burned the edge on the par three 6th hole to break the record with a putt from over 60′.
Michael Collins, ESPN Senior Writer
