Day 1 at the US Open 2020

Posted on September 18, 2020 alt_text

A day that does not often happen at a US Open - soft, benign, there for the taking and a few of the big names (and major champions) did just that. Never before had Winged Foot seen a 65 at the US Open and JT posted this early for a clubhouse and day 1 lead. Fatty Feed feasted on the great scoring conditions too and posted a 66 which included an ace on 7, which was matched by Will Zalatoris later in the day. The last time we had 2 aces at the US Open: 2002 at Bethpage Black. Zalatoris then lipped out on 13 for another ace, which would have been sensational and unheard of. Will’s own scoring stuttered though despite his heroics. https://twitter.com/usopengolf/status/1306590943466803204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1306590943466803204%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fus-open-patrick-reed-drains-impressive-ace-154821668.html There was decent scoring to be had for many of the top players. A slew of under par scores, a rarity at a US Open, were posted by Rory, Westie, King Louis, Xander, Incredible Bulk, Rahmbo, Rickie, and The Human Phenom, amongst others, including 2 amateurs. However, don’t get used to this. Pins in very friendly locations made for great viewing, but when squeezed into the corners, this will change quickly. The undulating greens made for some sensational putts and there were a few bombs out there from some of the leaders including JT. Putting is going to be key - these greens are very tricky. Another nuance is the poa annua greens which naturally grow quickly and become bumpy later in the afternoons. Nothing could beat Zach J who unleashed a beauty on his 10th hole of the day. https://twitter.com/GolfChannel/status/1306692583536680960 http://www.majorpunter.com/images/ZachJ_Putt.png Zach J was playing with King Louis, who was not going to be left out of the party. He had a slower start but then kickstarted with this hole out on # 2 for eagle. https://twitter.com/MrRogers99/status/1306691432909074435 http://www.majorpunter.com/images/Louis_Hole_Out_Day1.png The afternoon was definitely tougher so expect that to continue. Spare a thought for Phil who started like a hero with birdies on 1 and 2, despite missed fairways. But could not find a fairway until the 9th and eventually posted a 79! Consider that he never hit a fairway on the back 9 in 2006 so it was a very frustrating day in his pursuit for the Grand Slam. There were a few others badly burnt by the afternoon roll-out - with 76s from Collin, Casey and Lowry. Phil Stresses Despite some low scores, it certainly was still a bruising day if you were off your game, just slightly. Jordan Spieth showed the challenges with big numbers and birdies, all in the mix. Jordan Demons Punter Picks Our punters certainly felt the challenges of the tight competition on the rankings, with mixed bags across every category. Bucket 1: DJ really let the team down in the afternoon. Perhaps an early time on day 2 will assist a recovery. JT looked superb in the morning session, rewarding punters for their faith after an up and down summer compared to DJ and Rahmbo’s exploits. It was good to see picks drifting to Xander - the kid keeps pitching up at majors and did so again on day 1. Bucket 2: some very similar picks to the PGA Championship, with the Phenom constantly favoured. Like Louis, his lack of wins is definitely affecting his ability to improve his ranking, but both are incredibly consistent. Bucket 3 was a real mixed bag as expected with few standouts. The punters will be very sad to see Phil go hot and then cold! Nice picks on Joaquin though (so far) for the youngster. Bucket 1: DJ 22%, Xander 21%, JT 18%, Rahmbo 16%, Rory 8%. Bucket 2: Human Phenom 17%, Hideki 15%, King Louis 13%, Rosie 10%. Bucket 3: Harris 13%, Phil 9%, Joaquin 7% For a full view of the scores head to the US Open Leaderboard majorpunter Leaderboard: