US Open: Spaun Takes Early Lead, McIlroy and DeChambeau Struggle

US Open leaderboard: J.J. Spaun takes early lead with a four-under par 66, while Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau face tough starts.

J.J. Spaun took a one-stroke lead at the US Open with a flawless four-under par 66, defying Oakmont's challenging layout.

Spaun's bogey-free round matched the lowest first-round score at Oakmont in the US Open, equaling Andrew Landry's 66 in 2016, and marked his best major start in nine attempts. Meanwhile, top contenders Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau faced a tougher start.

The best first nine in a U.S. Open at Oakmont. Ever.

J.J. Spaun plays the inward nine in a record-low 31 strokes to take the early lead. pic.twitter.com/AB1iZdmgwV

— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 12, 2025

Spaun said, “I knew it was going to be tough,” and added, “I just tried to grind it out,” as he navigated Oakmont's challenging layout.

Spaun's strong start saw him birdie four of his first eight holes after beginning on the back nine. He then parred his way to the clubhouse, achieving a bogey-free round - only the eighth in US Open history at Oakmont.

Spaun praised his putting performance, saying, “This is probably one of my better putting rounds all season,” as he took the clubhouse lead.

J.J. Spaun finished his first round at the U.S. Open with a bogey-free 66 (-4).

He becomes just the eighth player to record a bogey-free round at a U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club 😳 pic.twitter.com/IRkiXWWpPq

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 12, 2025

Kim Si-woo was in second place, three under par, after carding back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh holes, having completed 16 holes. Meanwhile, world number one Scottie Scheffler was set to begin his first round, facing a challenging test at Oakmont, where every hole poses a threat.

World number two Rory McIlroy struggled, standing at two-over par through 16 holes, similarly to major winners Wyndham Clark and Gary Woodland.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau faced a tough start, sitting at three-over par with two holes remaining.

Spaun, who won his sole PGA Tour title at the 2022 Texas Open, had a notable loss in a playoff to McIlroy at this year's Players Championship.

Spaun's round featured key moments, including a birdie on the 10th hole with a 20-foot putt, a birdie at the par-five 12th after dropping his third shot close, and another birdie at the par-three 16th. He also recovered well from the rough at the 17th, sinking an 11-foot putt to extend his lead.

Have a day, J.J. Spaun. 👏

He gained 8.22 strokes on the field, including 4.00 with the putter alone. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IKJ6VVTDAq

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 12, 2025

Spaun's strong start continued as he parred the 18th hole to card 31 for the first nine holes, the best nine-hole start in US Open history at Oakmont.

Spaun navigated challenges well, including escaping the Church Pew bunkers at the fourth hole with a crucial par-saving putt and another lengthy par putt from a bunker at the sixth. “Those are huge, especially at a US Open, to keep your round going and not go the other way,” Spaun said.

McIlroy started strong with back-to-back birdies on the back nine, sinking a 27-foot putt at the 11th and reaching the 12th green in two shots to set up another birdie.

However, McIlroy's round was marred by a three-putt bogey at the first hole. He struggled at the fourth, needing three shots to escape the rough, but managed to sink a 30-foot downhill putt for bogey.

McIlroy's momentum faltered as he carded two bogeys and a double bogey, hindering his chances.

Meanwhile, 55-year-old Phil Mickelson struggled, standing at four-over par through 15 holes as he chased his first US Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, having finished runner-up six times.

Ireland's Shane Lowry produced a highlight-reel moment, holing out from 160 yards in the fairway for an eagle at the third hole. However, he struggled overall, standing at six-over par after 15 holes.

Meanwhile, American amateur Maxwell Moldovan also made history with an eagle at the first hole, holing out from 189 yards in the fairway. He celebrated with a memorable gesture, looking up to the heavens with a smile, but ultimately carded a 76.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler tees off alongside Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland.

Scheffler's recent form is impressive, with nine wins last year, including Olympic gold. He's now won three of his past four starts. Fresh from claiming his third major title at the PGA Championship, Scheffler aims to become the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win consecutive majors.