‘It’s a challenge not being able to warm up, going out there and trying to hit tee shots at the US Open,’ said defending champ Jordan Spieth. ‘But it is what it is.’
The world number two was one-over-par through 11 holes on Thursday when inclement weather forced the third and final stoppage in play at Oakmont Country Club.
Fellow American Andrew Landry was able to contend with the thunderstorms that wreaked havoc during the first round in Pennsylvania and got to four-under-par when play concluded on Friday.
The PGA Tour rookie advanced through sectional qualifying in Memphis last week to gain a spot at the year’s second major. So far, he’s made the most of his chance.
On Thursday he started the round with a birdie on the 10th and made another gain at the 17th to turn in two-under. He racked up three consecutive birdies from the second to the fourth to go five-under, but gave back shots at the seventh and eighth.
The weather closed in and Landry garnered a one-shot lead over Bubba Watson and Danny Lee with one hole left to play in his first round. He returned on Friday, boxed his putt at the last, and signed for a leading round of 68.
‘I’ve hit the ball really well today and just made a bunch of putts and just kept it going,’ said Landry, whose instructor is Chuck Cook, coach of US Open winners Payne Stewart, Tom Kite, and Corey Pavin.
South Africa’s Thomas Aiken endured a rude introduction to Oakmont when he made five bogeys and one double to turn in seven-over-par. He regrouped on the second loop and was level-par for that nine with four holes to complete.
