Exciting start as the 2024 US Open Golf kicks off

PINEHURST: The United States Open Championship, commonly known as the US Open, is regarded as the pinnacle of national golf tournaments in the United States and even worldwide.

Established in 1895, it holds the distinction of being the third among the four major golf championships for men and is an integral part of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour schedules..

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The United States Open Championship is organised by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The torunament unfolds across 72 holes of stroke play on a 18-hole course, determining the champion based on the lowest total number of strokes.

The first tournament was held in 1895 with a single-day, 36-hole competition. It was won by Horace Rawlins, an English. Over the years, the US Open Gold has evolved from being dominated by the British to American. John J McDermott would become the first native-born US citizen to win the US Open Gold in 1911.

Today, the US Open accommodates both professionals and amateurs, with a strict qualification process to choose 156 players. Various exemption categories, including past champions and top-ranked players, secure spots for many participants, while others must earn entry through local and sectional qualifying rounds.

2024 US Open Championship

The 2024 US Open Championship would be the 124th iteration of the event. It is scheduled from June 13 to June 16 at Pinehurst Resort’s course number 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The course is known for its formidable and challenging layout.

This year’s tournament boasts a total prize fund of $21.5 million and marks the 1,000th USGA staged championship.

Leaderboard breakdown

In the first round of the 2024 US Open, Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy both hit impressive 5-under 65s, putting them in the lead. Other players like Ludvig Åberg and Bryson DeChambeau are also showing strong performances.

Meanwhile, Tony Finau and Sergio Garcia are holding their own. However, Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson are facing challenges after finishing over par.

This year is shaping up to be an exciting weekend at Pinehurst, so stay tuned!