Shane Lowry has ugly microphone meltdown at US Open

Shane Lowry had a rough start at the U.S. Open on Thursday, with his frustrations boiling over on the course. The Irishman, who was vying for his first major victory since 2019, found himself at 2-over par through seven holes when he reached the drivable par-4 17th hole at Oakmont Country Club. Attempting to chip his ball out of the thick rough, Lowry’s shot barely moved and a nearby microphone ended up taking the brunt of his frustration.

Unfortunately, things only got worse for Lowry as he struggled through the rest of his round. Finishing at 4-over 39 on the front nine, he added three bogeys and two double bogeys on his final nine holes. Despite the rough start, Lowry did manage to highlight his day with an eagle on the par-4 third hole, holing out from 160 yards away.

Considered one of the favorites in the tournament, Lowry had previously held the 54-hole lead in 2016 when the U.S. Open was last held at Oakmont. However, his performance on Thursday left much to be desired, finishing the opening round at 9-over.

American golfer J.J. Spaun took the lead after shooting a 4-under 66 in his first round, while Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters win, struggled to a 4-over 74. Defending U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau also had a tough start, finishing at 3-over 73.

Leading up to the tournament, players like Lowry and McIlroy had voiced the challenges of playing at Oakmont, with the course proving to be exhausting and seemingly impossible at times. Despite the difficulties, the competition at the U.S. Open remains fierce as players continue to battle it out on one of golf’s most demanding stages.