Bookmakers and bettors took sides ahead of the U.S. Open, overwhelmingly backing PGA Tour golfers over those who joined the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
And they were vindicated after the first round concluded Thursday at Brookline Country Club in Massachusetts.
The 15 LIV Golf entrants, including Phil Mickelson, combined to shoot 53-over par. Only one of those players, Dustin Johnson, finished the day ranked within the top 14.