One of my toughest days on the course

It certainly was one of my toughest days out on a golf course. It is not just about the score, five-over 75, but simply because of how tough and demanding the conditions were. In addition, I also had a rough start. At five-over I am way behind, but I am hoping to fight back.

It was tiring mentally and physically. I had a tough stretch from sixth through to the 10th, and that included a couple of three putts and that cost me heavily.

I tried to push hard on the back nine to get into position from where I could get back a little but I never got any momentum going. I tried to be patient, but things did not happen.

After a series of pars, from first to fifth, my woes began on the sixth. I found the greenside bunker on sixth with my second shot. I got out alright but then I three-putted from less than 18 feet for a double bogey. That was a big disappointment. That was not it. Bogeys followed on seven, nine and tenth and once the ball stopped on lip. So, even that was against me, it seemed. But that’s golf and you keep going.

I will need to play error free golf in second round and I need to stay positive on the greens. The conditions on the opening day were a little easier in the morning so hoping I can take advantage in second round.

Also I hope the rain stays away or conditions could be tougher.
When I look back at the day, I suppose this is what makes US Open the toughest Major and progressing is all about trying to hang in these conditions and wait for opportunities, while playing steady and getting those pars. Unfortunately that did not happen for me.

I remember the 18 pars I had at the Masters and that time I thought I should have had some birdies, but on this day I would have given anything for something like that. Just pars!

I saw Shiv (Kapur) coming back with a fighting 72 after being three-over after six. That was a good one and I am sure he will do even better in second round.