Opening Round at U.S. Open a Washout

The first round at this year’s U.S. Open was over barely three hours after it began, thanks to Mother Nature.  A downpour of rain started just before 7 a.m., minutes after amateur Ricky Fowler, the first player off the tee, hit his opening drive.  Play was halted at 10:16 a.m. because officials were unable to keep up with the amount of rain that was soaking an already water-logged Bethpage Black.  The greens became ponds, and play was suspended until Friday.  No player completed more than 11 holes, and half of the 156 man field didn’t even get on the course.

England's Paul Casey during a practice round at Bethpage Black. Play was suspended Thursday due to rain. (Image: Zuma Press)

The forecast for Friday is slightly better, but it looks as if Saturday will bring more rain.  Already there is talk of a Monday finishing round, something that hasn’t happened at the U.S. Open since 1983.

The poor conditions made playing tough for everyone, including reigning champion Tiger Woods.  Woods’ opening shot on the first hole went so far left, he debated hitting a second ball from the tee.  He ended up hitting his second shot from the front of a merchandise tent, and went on to make a miraculous par.  His playing partners, fellow major winners Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington, both made bogey on the hole, despite having significantly better tee shots.  When play was suspended, Woods was sitting at +1 through six holes.

Jeff Brehaut, Johan Edfors, Andrew Parr and Ryan Spears, four little-known players, were leading the round at 1-under when play was suspended.