Martin Kaymer leads at US Open

By David Shefter, USGA

June 13, 2014. Graeme McDowell said on Thursday after his opening round at the 114th U.S. Open that 10 to 12 birdies this week might be enough to win the championship. The 2010 champion felt that even on a golf course devoid of rough – a first for a U.S. Open – the fast, firm conditions combined with Donald Ross’ famously crowned greens on Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 would require a more conservative approach.

Martin Kaymer apparently didn’t get that memo.

The 29-year-old German, who won the 2010 PGA Championship and last month’s Players Championship, carded a 5-under-par 65, the lowest round ever shot in a U.S. Open contested at Pinehurst No. 2. Kaymer registered six birdies – four on the inward nine – against one bogey on a course that measured 7,360 yards for the first round.

Kaymer finished the day three clear of McDowell, Kevin Na, Brendon de Jonge and Fran Quinn, a 49-year-old sectional qualifier from Holden, Mass., who is playing his first U.S. Open in 18 years. The group at 1-under 69 includes world No. 2 Henrik Stenson, Jordan Spieth, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Keegan Bradley and Brandt Snedeker.

Six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson, needing a U.S. Open title to complete the career Grand Slam, shot an even-par 70, while defending champion Justin Rose carded a 72.

Fifteen players finished under par and the scoring average was 73.23, the lowest since the 2003 U.S. Open at Olympia Fields.

Kaymer’s 13-under effort at The Players at challenging TPC Sawgrass provided much-needed momentum and confidence coming into the year’s second major championship. Before that title, he had not finished better than a tie for 18th since Jan. 1 and had not won since the 2012 Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.

“I needed a win,” said Kaymer. “I needed it for my confidence and all the work I’ve put in.

“I hit the ball very solid today. I didn’t make very many mistakes and I made a few putts in the end.”