Carnage at Erin Hills on Day One of the U.S. Open

Part of the allure of the U.S. Open is getting to see the best players in the world flail around a golf course as if they were weekend hackers. While some get a perverse sense of enjoyment out of the carnage that can befall 156 of the best players in the world at a U.S. Open, others prefer the birdie fests that routinely take place on the PGA Tour.

This week, however, it’s the cruel and unusual punishment crowd who get what they want. The first day at Erin Hills gave both sides of the argument a piece of what they were looking for, which is what championship golf should offer on any given week. Those who were on top of their games and played the right shots — Rickie Fowler, Paul Casey, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood — were able to make birdies on the par-72 layout.

On the other hand, missing in the wrong spots and trying to bite off more than they can chew resulted in some big numbers. Jason Day made five bogeys and two triples to barely break 80. Rory McIlroy shot a back-nine 42 to post 6-over par. Dustin Johnson made a double and two bogeys in a four-hole stretch. Billy Horschel got his day started off on the wrong foot when a quadruple bogey 9 put him at 4-over par through one hole.

Here are some highlights of the carnage that beset some of the best in the world. Watch (or don’t) with glee, those who are gluttons for punishment.

— — — 

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest goings-on in the world of golf by following the SwingxSwing Clubhouse on social media. We share stories, stats and breaking news on Twitter, keep the fun going off the course on Instagram and share any and all golf-related topics on Facebook.

Never be the odd golfer out when your friends are talking about the latest or funniest happenings in golf. Sign up for the SxS newsletter today!