Rickie Fowler leads US Open on day of highs and lows
(AP) — Erin Hills made its debut as a U.S. Open course Thursday with a most gracious welcome for Rickie Fowler, who matched the record to par in the opening round with a 7-under 65 on the longest course in major championship history.
Fowler had a one-shot lead over Paul Casey and Xander Schauffele.
The low scoring suggested the 11-year-old course was a cream puff, hardly the USGA's idea of the ultimate test in golf.
Rory McIlroy joked earlier in the week that anyone who couldn't hit such wide fairways "might as well pack your bags and go home."
Casey started eagle-birdie and finished with two birdies over the final four holes for his 66.
More startling than the low scores was smoke rising from about a half-mile away when a commercial blimp, not affiliated with the tournament, crashed into a field and burst into flames.
On the golf course, there was only a barrage of birdies.
Hadwin tied a U.S. Open record when he made six straight birdies, from the 18th hole through the fifth hole.