Bryson, Rory struggle as Thomas owns Open lead
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, favorites heading into the U.S. Open, stumbled Thursday, while Justin Thomas vaulted into an early three-shot lead.
McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open champion, shot a 1-over 71 and is tied for 46th. DeChambeau, the reigning champion, shot a 3-over 73 and is tied for 70th.
Thomas, the 2017 PGA Championship winner, fired a 4-under 66 with the day’s lowest round on the challenging Country Club course in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Matthew Fitzpatrick and Adam Hadwin sit three shots back at 1 under. Three players, including 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, shot 1 over. Four more, including five-time major winner Rory McIlroy, were at 2 over.
The top 60 players and ties after Friday’s second round will advance to the weekend.
