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

The American shot a superb 65 to lead by two shots

Rickie Fowler leads 2017 US Open
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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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)

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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

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

US Open Blimp Crashes At Erin Hills

Videos emerged on twitter of the blimp falling…

Expand US Open Tee Times 2019 – Round Four

US Open Tee Times

US Open Tee Times 2019 – Round Four

Woodland and Rose are out at 10.30pm BST

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.

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Play restarts at 12.45pm BST today

Thomas Patrick Clarke
Sports Digital Editor


Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.