In a remarkable turn of events, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele etched their names into the U.S. Open history books during Thursday's opening round. Both golfers carded an 8-under 62, setting a new record for the lowest score in the tournament's history.
This feat also ties the record for the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship. Fowler, whose world ranking plummeted to a career low in late 2022, has been on a steady upward trajectory. His performance at the Los Angeles Country Club marks a significant milestone in his comeback.
Fowler began his round on the back nine, sinking five birdies while navigating two bogeys. Schauffele, also starting on the back nine, played a bogey-free round, notching three birdies on his opening nine. Both players finished strong, adding birdies on their final two holes.
This impressive display of skill puts both golfers in contention for their first major championship victory. Fowler has come close on several occasions, finishing as runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Open and British Open, and again at the 2018 Masters. Schauffele also has two second-place finishes at majors, the 2018 British Open and the 2019 Masters.
This historic first round sets the stage for an exciting U.S. Open, with both Fowler and Schauffele aiming to convert their strong start into a long-awaited major title.
