JOHANNESBURG – On a notoriously difficult day for scoring at the US Open, Louis Oosthuizen was the best of the South Africans with a four-over 74 in the first round at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday.
Only four players broke par on the day, with Americans Scott Piercy, Russell Henley and Dustin Johnson joining England’s Ian Poulter on one-under 69.
Oosthuizen found himself in a tie for 37th following two birdies and six bogies for the round. US Open debutant Dean Burmester was a further stroke adrift on five-over to end in a tie for 46th.
Branden Grace was 66th after a six-over 76, while both Dylan Frittelli and Ernie Els both signed for 78s - the same score as 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods.
Charl Schwartzel was the bottom-placed SA player in 114th place, after a nine-over 79.