Oakmont’s Carnage Was Modest on Day 1 but Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Rory McIlroy had his share of hacks from the rough in an opening round of 74. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

OAKMONT, Pa. — The sun rose at 5:49 Thursday morning and began its slow climb into a bright, hazy sky. Fifty-six minutes later, former Oakmont Country Club caddie-turned-dentist Matt Vogt christened the 125th U.S. Open by sending the opening tee shot left—of the adjacent 9th fairway.

And so the carnage began.