10 Holes Was All Jason Day Could Handle At The U.S. Open, And This Tournament Is Already Brutal

Holy smokes, what an absolute gut punch to start the U.S. Open. Can you believe it? We're barely into the first round at Shinnecock Hills, and already we've got a massive story unfolding. Jason Day, one of the names you absolutely expect to contend, just flat out withdrew mid-round. Yeah, you heard that right, *withdrew* after only playing 10 holes! The tournament's just getting started, and it's already serving up some wild drama. This U.S. Open is kicking off with a bang, but not the good kind for everyone.

The Drama Is Just Getting Started, On And Off The Course

While Day was calling it quits, the rest of the field was out there proving why this major is always appointment viewing. We saw some absolutely insane shots. Jon Rahm, man, that dude is fearless! He sunk a mind-bending 61-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th, which was his eighth hole of the day. That kind of magic immediately put him into an early share of the lead. You love to see that kind of pure skill under pressure. And then there's Bryson DeChambeau, unleashing a 427-yard drive on the par-4 12th! Wind and Tuckahoe Road gave him a boost, sure, but that's just pure power that makes you want to watch every swing. It's the kind of epic golf that makes you forget all about the rest of the world,

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even when the news of a withdrawal hits.

Early Leaders Battling The Elements and Each Other

The first round wasn't just about spectacular shots, though. It was a grind. We even had a two-hour fog delay, which just adds to the legend of Shinnecock Hills, right? Despite all that, Rory McIlroy was out there making moves. He grabbed the opening-round lead with a beautiful eagle on No. 5. Yeah, he lamented his finish, but you gotta respect the grit. He even saved par on No. 4 after spraying his tee shot into the fescue. That's big-time golf, baby. And Ludvig Aberg, another one making noise, holed a long birdie putt on No. 15 to also grab a share of the early lead. Russell and Mitchell were making headlines too, with Mitchell reportedly going from six over to six under in a historic run. It's a testament to the course and the pressure that we're seeing these massive swings and immediate drama. What's next? More of this intense, unpredictable golf! Round two is just around the corner, and after Day's surprising exit and these crazy early highlights, you know everyone is going to be glued to their screens. Who's going to seize control? Can Rahm or Aberg hold onto their share of the lead? Will McIlroy build on his strong start? Every shot matters, every hole is a battle. Get ready, golf fans, because this U.S. Open is already delivering, and we're just getting started!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.