This proves to be one of the best weeks of the year. Not only is it the U.S. Open, but it’s Pebble Beach—the familiar seaside confines that will play host its sixth U.S. Open this week. You’re familiar with all the storylines: Tiger Woods, returning to Pebble Beach, site of his 15-shot romp at the 2000 U.S. Open, off his Masters victory a few months ago. Dustin Johnson, looking to avenge his final-round blow-up at the 2010 U.S. Open, as the favorite, and hoping to wrestle these majors from his buddy Brooks Koepka, who has looked unbeatable in most majors the past two years, taking the title in four of his past eight major championships.
That’s not even to mention Rory McIlroy, who nearly shot a final-round 59 just days ago in Canada. Phil Mickelson, pursuing the Career Grand Slam for perhaps his last realistic chance, back at Pebble Beach after his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach in February. Or Jordan Spieth, fresh off three straight top-10 finishes, after struggling for the most part over the past two seasons.
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Featured coverage starts at 10:45 a.m. (eastern) on the U.S. Open’s app and streaming video, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Marc Leishman teeing off the 10th tee at 10:51 a.m. eastern (7:51 local time), and Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell pegging it off No. 10 at 11:13 a.m.
(All times eastern)
10:18 a.m.: We’re getting close to the featured group coverage at 10:45 a.m., but there are some strong groups on the course now. Bernd Weisberger of Austria, a late addition to this field, starts his round with a par at No. 10. Scott Piercy, Emiliano Grillo and Thorbjorn Olesen also parred the short par-4 first hole.
There are currently nine players tied for the lead at even-par. It’s early, but we already have a leaderboard!
9:58 a.m.: Let’s go! Sam Saunders makes a par at the first hole, along with playing competitor Marcus Fraser of Australia, and this championship is underway. The third player in the group, Carlos Ortiz, makes a bogey, and we’re off.
Off the 10th hole was Sepp Straka, Luis Gagne and Julian Etulian—and they all make pars out at the 493-yard 10th.
9:45 a.m.: The first groups are off the first and 10th tees, and the 119th U.S. Open is officially underway! Fittingly, Sam Saunders—Arnold Palmer’s grandson—hit the first tee shot off No. 1, at a place that meant so much to his grandfather, as Arnie was actually a part owner later in his life, and oversaw a round of course updates in the 2000s.
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