Justin Thomas made history, Patrick Reed charged and Rickie Fowler stayed in touch on a day where the South Africans struggled. WADE PRETORIUS runs through the best and worst parts of Saturday at the US Open.
Birdie: Justin Thomas makes history
Many will argue about the soft conditions and wide fairways, but Thomas’ round was splendid. How many others would’ve made that putt on the fifth? And struck that 3-wood like he did on 18 to set up the eagle putt? It was a wonderful exhibition of ball-striking that should be rewarded with the awe and praise that many, but not all, are showering it with.
WATCH: Thomas shoots 63 on Super Saturday
Thomas is one of the leaders of the new young wave on tour and will now be setting his sights on his first Major after playing his way into the final pairing. It’s still anyone’s game, but no one will enter Sunday with as much confidence in their game as Thomas. 59, lowest score in relation to par at the US Open and potentially Major winner all in one year?
Par: Brian Harman and the chasing pack
There will be many that are still struggling to place Brian Harman, but he’s a two-time PGA Tour winner (for reference, Louis Oosthuizen has only one win – the Open, Charl Schwartzel has two and Branden Grace only one on the US tour) and shot 67 yesterday. He’s now just 18 holes away from the life-changing win.
The chasing pack also thrilled worldwide audiences on Saturday. First Patrick Reed stormed the course, before missing a tickler on 18 for a 64. Wearing his Ryder Cup shoes and pants (a double bogey in my book) seemed to inspire the brash American, who played liked it was the biennial continental war where we’ve come to expect his brilliance.
Tommy Fleetwood and Brooks Koepka are a shot behind, and both know that they have a massive chance to get over the line on Sunday, while Rickie Fowler continues to keep himself in the hunt, thanks to his near-perfect round with his putter. The chasers have set up a thrilling Sunday where as many as eight players have a chance of overtaking Brian Harman.
Bogey: South Africans struggles take a turn for the worse
Louis Oosthuizen shot 68 when it really should’ve been 65. Grace was -1, Stone level, Aiken +3 and Ernie +7. It wasn’t a good day, especially with conditions making the course ripe for the picking. Oosthuizen said after his round that two under on Saturday was par, so that makes four of the five over par on a disappointing night for local viewers.
The worst of all? Els’ catastrophic chipping episode on 17. It had many cringing on their couches before he finally ended the pain with a triple bogey.
Our country’s golfers did us so proud for 36 holes, but Saturday was a definite disappointment. The plus side? There’s 18 holes left for redemption – I won’t be surprised if 4 of five go 70 or better on Sunday.
US Open Round 1: Birdie, Par, Bogey
US Open Round 2: Birdie, Par, Bogey
Photo: Getty Images
