Spain’s Jon Rahm, ranked number two worldwide, returned to defend his title as the U.S. Open action kicked off on Thursday. The famous major championship, one of the four marquee events in the men’s golf calendar, unfolded at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, where the morning air carried the crisp anticipation of a city that loves big moments and tight finishes. Rahm opened with a solid round, posting a score well under par that signaled his readiness to contend and reminded fans across Canada and the United States that this tournament tends to reward both precision and nerve. The early report from the course suggested that Rahm’s approach work—mitigating risk on certain holes while aggressively taking advantage of scoring opportunities on others—would be key as the day progressed and the leaderboard began to take shape around him.
Throughout the round, Rahm navigated a course that presented both classic links-style challenges and Brookline’s own distinctive tests. He found himself with a steady rhythm of solid ball-striking and calm decision-making, stringing together a few birdies to offset any minor blemishes. The front nine offered a brisk start, with opportunities rewarded for clean ball control and the ability to keep the ball running true through the rough and into the receptive greens. As the day continued, the crowd watched closely as Rahm managed to maintain momentum, answering the pressure of a major with a composed demeanor and a game plan that emphasized accuracy off the tee, meticulous club selection, and a patient buildup on the greens. The scorecard reflected a round that stayed in contention, setting Rahm up for a hopeful chase on moving day and giving fans in North America a reminder of why he is consistently placed among the world’s elite.
By the time the leaderboard settled, the early clubhouse leaders were two players with strong resumes and current form. England’s Callum Tarren and Sweden’s David Lingmerth each completed rounds that showed a mix of aggressive tactics and smart course management, finishing with a three-under total that stood tall against the early conditions and the setup at Brookline. Their performances were complemented by Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, who was still on the course as the round drew to a close, pursuing a number that would place him among the day’s best after an energized start to his own Open bid. The early standings illustrated a wide-open feel to this U.S. Open, with the possibility of a late surge from veterans and a new wave of challengers, all buffered by the demanding nature of the par-70 layout and the ever-present pressure of chasing a major championship with a global audience. For spectators across Canada and the United States, the scene offered not just a golf showcase but also a reminder that the U.S. Open remains a proving ground where every stroke is scrutinized, every decision weighed, and the best players in the world are pushed to extract peak performance on a course steeped in history and tradition.