Red Hot Rickie Fowler Leads The Way at 2017 US Open, While Dustin Johnson Struggles

Jun 15, 2017

American Rickie Fowler got off to a flyer with a seven-under-par 65 at Erin Hills to lead the 2017 US Open

Rickie Fowler leads 2017 US Open

Rickie Fowler got off to an incredible start at Erin Hills and the 2017 US Open, the American shot a bogey-free 65 to finish 7-under-par.

The American had seven birdies in his round and was one shot clear of his nearest competitors.

To 7 under he goes… https://t.co/uTY2kmbAZv

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2017

Rickie Fowler leads 2017 US Open: His round in numbers

Fairways off the tee: 86%
Greens in regulation: 83%
Driving average: 299 yards
Putts: 27 (Average 1.5 a hole)

The day had a dramatic start with an advertising blimp crashing into a nearby field – read the story of the US Open blimp crash.

It was a very different story for defending champion and World Number One Dustin Johnson, he was ten shots back from Fowler after shooting a 75.

Johnson started on the back nine and was three over at his turn with two bogeys and a double.

Expand US Open Golf Highlights Round Two

US Open Golf Highlights Round Two

All the best shots from day two at…

Expand US Open Blimp Crashes At Erin Hills

US Open Blimp Crashes At Erin Hills

Videos emerged on twitter of the blimp falling…

Expand 2017 US Open Tee Times

2017 US Open Tee Times

Brian Harman and Paul Casey will be the…

His game seemed to be in better shape on his back nine where he shot par on all of the holes coming in, and will be hopeful of an improved round tomorrow.

The Erin Hills golf course is certainly unlike more traditional US Open courses with the areas around the greens in particular having more run offs and less thick rough, however there is still danger around and it caught out many a player.

Paul Casey shot a late round of 66 to be just a shot back from Fowler and he is level with Xander Schauffle, the American also going bogey free.

Other contenders who enjoyed the day one conditions were Americans Brian Harmon and Brooks Koepka as well as Englishman Tommy Fleetwood who all shot five-under 67s.

Rory McIlroy had a dreadful back 9 where two double bogeys and two bogeys meant he came back in 42 shots to finish with a 78, already 13 shots behind Fowler.