OAKMONT, Pa. — As Phil Mickelson, aka Lefty, aka Phil the Thrill, aka FIGJAM, aka one of the two most famous golfers of the 21st century, teed off Thursday in what might be his final U.S. Open, there were more security guards than journalists following him. And there were two security guards.

Rory McIlroy is among many to find Oakmont Country Club a bruising challenge as JJ Spaun sets the early pace on day one at the US Open.

J.J. Spaun emerged as the surprise early first-round U.S. Open leader on Thursday at Oakmont Country Club where Rory McIlroy was two shots back, defending champion Bryson DeChambeau opened with a bogey and Scottie Scheffler had yet to start.

Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele had some words of advice for J.J. Spaun, who grabbed the early clubhouse lead with a 4-under 66 in the opening round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

American J.J. Spaun seized an early one-stroke lead in Thursday's first round of the US Open with Rory McIlroy and other major winners trying to chase him down at Oakmont.Spaun was on four-under after nine holes with compatriot Gary Woodland,

Burns birdies penultimate hole to move one shot clear * Scott's three-under 67 equals low round of the day * Scheffler and McIlroy both unable to make a move (Adds quotes and details in paragraphs 2-8,

J.J. Spaun posted a four-under opening round to take the clubhouse lead at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont, and he believes his recent costly loss to Rory McIlroy was the turning point in his career