Rory McIlroy posted a 69 on the opening day of the U.S. Open, staying within striking distance of the lead despite gusts that hit 30 mph on Shinnecock Hills.
The wind turned the iconic New York links into a moving obstacle course, forcing players to adjust clubs on the fly.
McIlroy, who opened with a birdie on the 2nd hole, finished two strokes behind leader Ludvig Åberg, who carded a 66. The Swedish rookie’s round was highlighted by a flawless 12‑under‑par stretch from holes 8 through 12.
Why does this matter?
The U.S. Open is the only major that still mandates the toughest‑possible set‑up, and early‑round scores often predict who will survive the brutal weekend tests.
McIlroy’s 69 keeps him in the top‑10, preserving his chance to chase his first U.S. Open title after three near‑misses.
What’s next for the leaders?
Tomorrow’s round will see the wind ebb to 15‑20 mph, but the course will remain unforgiving. Players who can tame the gusts while staying aggressive on the short, sloping greens will likely vault ahead.
Åberg, the current leader at –6, will need to maintain his composure as the crowd size swells; the tournament saw a 25% drop in attendance on day one because of traffic snarls on the Long Island Expressway.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s economy and markets watchers note that stronger weather conditions tend to boost TV ratings, potentially inflating advertising revenue for the network covering the event.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: a windy opening day means volatile scores, and a single brilliant round can catapult a golfer from the pack to a podium position.
As the sun sets over the dunes, all eyes will turn to Thursday’s tee times. Will McIlroy find another birdie‑laden stretch, or will the wind finally take its toll?