Rickie Fowler put together a performance for the ages on Thursday with one of the greatest opening rounds in majors history.
No player has ever made 10 birdies in a #USOpen round.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
Until now. pic.twitter.com/XejwLmr7A9
Fowler made 10 birdies en route to an eight-under 62, the lowest score ever in a U.S. Open.
Rickie Fowler!
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 15, 2023
The lowest round in U.S. Open history! pic.twitter.com/1yL0mrKH96
It also tied him with Branden Grace for the lowest-scoring round in majors history (2017 Open).
His day could have been even better if not for two bogeys early in the round.
Fowler lowered his score to three-under-par and moved into a tie for the lead seven holes into his round.
On the move!@RickieFowler is tied for the #USOpen lead after his 4th birdie of the morning.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
Live coverage continues now on @USANetwork. pic.twitter.com/wL6rLXRUry
After a bogey on the next hole, he rebounded with his fifth birdie in his first nine holes.
His fifth birdie of the day moves @RickieFowler back into a share of the lead. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/39MTu7KQoy
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
That began a streak of four consecutive birdies for Fowler that lowered his score to six-under-par.
Four birdies in a row for @RickieFowler.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
He's -6 on the day. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/qzLZz8aomz
He made his final birdie of the day on the Par 5 No. 8.
When you're hot, you're hot
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
10 birdies today for @RickieFowler and he is alone at -8. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/5oJlbWK6NV
As great as Fowler was, Xander Schauffele didn't give him any breathing room, tying him by shooting a 62 in the opening round as well. Fowler has plenty of incentive to keep the pedal to the metal.
With three rounds to go, the fireworks are just getting started.
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