Sam Stevens Leads U.S. Open at 2-Under as Rory McIlroy Sits 1 Shot Back

Q: Can Sam Stevens' elite driving overcome his putting flaws on Shinnecock's notoriously treacherous greens?

Probably not over four rounds unless his putter holds up better than it usually does. Stevens has put himself in front at Shinnecock with a two-under 68, and his profile does fit part of what this course demands. He is a strong driver by PGA Tour standards, ranking roughly in the mid-30s in distance and around the mid-40s in strokes gained off the tee this season. On a 7,440-yard U.S. Open setup, that can be a real advantage, especially if it leaves shorter approaches into firm greens. But Shinnecock has never been a place where driving alone is enough. Its reputation is built on severe, wind-exposed greens and exacting second shots. Historically, only a handful of players have finished under par in U.S. Opens here, and past editions have shown how quickly the surfaces can punish even slight misses in speed or line. That is the concern for Stevens. His season-long putting numbers are weak, around 120th on Tour in strokes gained putting, and that is the kind of flaw Shinnecock tends to expose rather than hide. If he keeps hitting fairways and controls his approaches well enough to stay below the hole, he can limit the damage and remain a factor. His opening round suggests that is possible. Still, the safer read is that Stevens’ driving can keep him in contention, but it is unlikely by itself to overcome below-average putting on these greens. To stay near the top, he will need an above-his-norm week with the putter, not just elite work off the tee.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 18

Sam Stevens held the solo Round 1 lead at 2-under through 18 holes as of 3:38 p.m. ET.
Rory McIlroy finished at 1-under, one stroke back in a crowded tie for second that also included Ludvig Åberg.
Ben James was also at 2-under through 16 holes, while Brian Harman and Max Greyserman stayed within a shot late in their rounds.
The chasing group extended beyond established names, with amateurs Ryder Cowan and Preston Stout among players under par early in the round.