Ewen Murray
Golf columnist
US Open: Ewen Murray reflects on the first round at Oakmont
Last Updated: 17/06/16 6:32pm
Ewen Murray looks back at Lee Westwood's impressive start to the US Open and reflects on the early scoring at Oakmont.
Thursday was a very difficult day for the players as they were called off the golf course on three occasions, with many of those up as early as 4.30am to prepare themselves for that opening day.
You could say that the afternoon section due to begin on the opening day are going to now start the week more relaxed, but they're having to play back-to-back rounds to catch up on the early starters. If the conditions stay as they're expected to, then I think those who are only beginning their week on Friday are in good shape.
"I think this is a golf course where you can get away with having a bad opening round and still slowly claw your way back."
Ewen Murray
The one thing you have to do at Oakmont is keep out of the bunkers, where the staff have worked all through the night to get them in the condition they're in. The sand is heavy and the rough is juicy so there's a big premium for finding the fairways, just like there was at the start of the week.
You look at the 66 that has set the early pace and it's very much an unknown quantity. It's a wonderful round of golf, but Andrew Landry has got all of the pressure to come and that's something he's not necessarily accustomed to.
It was a wonderful start to the week for Lee Westwood and he's in really good shape after that opening 67. The second place finish in the Masters was vital for him because even players with that quality and experience, however many times they've been in contention, sometimes start to doubt themselves.
Everyone thinks the great players never doubt themselves but nothing could be further from the truth. That finish at Augusta made him realise his game is still there and he can still perform when it matters.
Those who have got themselves in to the 60s will be thrilled as they have given themselves a foundation for the week, but I think anything 74 or better will make the players think they still have a chance of winning.
An opening 77 was a shock to the system for Rory McIlroy, especially on a course like this where driving is so important.
He's usually up there as one of the best drivers, but was hitting them left and right during the opening round. He hit it left at 12, missed the fairway at 15 and struggled at 18. You just can't play this golf course from the rough and he'll be the first to admit that.
He's certainly in danger, but I think this is a golf course where you can get away with having a bad opening round and still slowly claw your way back.
If he can find three rounds in the 60s he's going to still be there or thereabouts on Sunday, but he has to find those scores first and the way he has played the opening round you wouldn't think that could happen.
Watch the US Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
