Historic 62s From Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele Kick Off U.S. Open

Dustin Johnson of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the 18th hole during the first round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles on June 15, 2023. Harry How/Getty Images

The U.S. Open is widely viewed as the most difficult of the four men’s major championships, but with soft conditions at a little-known venue, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele made their opening rounds look like child’s play.

Fowler rang up 10 birdies en route to the first round of 62 in U.S. Open history, and Schauffele finished up a bogey-free 62 about 20 minutes later to match him Thursday, June 15, at the Los Angeles Country Club.