The 2026 U.S. Open is here, and Shinnecock is already giving the best golfers in the world fits. Well, not everyone. Rory McIlroy has not felt the wrath of the crazy winds or tough greens just yet, as he is a whooping -3 through 14 holes.
For the first time since 2017, Rory made an eagle at the U.S. Open, as he nailed the putt on the Par 5 5th hole. McIlroy began on the back nine and birdied the 11th and 12th holes. Things got a little tough on him as he bogeyed the 13th and 16th, but bounced back quickly. He birdied the Par 4 3rd and then sent fans into a frenzy with his eagle after an insane tee shot.
#LEADER — The Shinnecock crowd erupts as Rory McIlroy drains an eagle putt to take the lead at the U.S. Open @TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/TSXYmUI7WK
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 18, 2026
Earlier in the round, Rory made a huge par save after he sent his tee shot way into the rough with the fans. A funny moment happened when a woman tried to pick up the ball; the camera cut away quickly, but you could hear people scream, “No!”
#WATCH — Someone picks up Rory McIlroy’s ball and fans let out a collective “NO!!” pic.twitter.com/iSxuBM4HCh
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 18, 2026
Round 1 is about halfway done, and we still have a ton of golf to be played. Only five players (at time of publication) are under par. The winds are nasty, and the greens are dangerous. Just like the PGA Championship, we could see a ton of low scores. Unless someone like Aaron Rai decides to take a major lead, we could see a close race to the finish line.
As of right now, McIlroy is having the best start to the tournament, but Sam Stevens shot a 68 for a very good score heading into Day 2. Stay tuned for more action at the U.S. Open!
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