Canada’s Hadwin fires 66 to lead US Open, McIlroy one back

BROOKLINE, US: Canada’s Adam Hadwin birdied five of the last six holes on the front nine and seized a one-stroke lead after Thursday’s first round of the US Open with Rory McIlroy in a pack one adrift.

World No. 105 Hadwin, whose best finish in 19 prior major starts was a share of 24th at the 2018 Masters, fired a six-under par 66 at The Country Club.

“Not much better of a start to a US Open you can ask for,” Hadwin said. “To take the first round lead at the US Open is incredible. It’s something no one can take away from me. But it’s not the final goal.”