US Open Leaderboard 2015: Updated Scores, Standings on Thursday at Chambers Bay

With the U.S. Open underway at Chambers Bay, plenty of storylines are already emerging at the tournament. From the difficulty of the course to the stars slowly getting their opening rounds started, the U.S. Open features plenty of intrigue.

Below, we'll take a look at the updating leaderboard, along with a preview of this year's event.

Leaderboard

Preview

The main storyline at this year's event will probably be the difficulty of the course. And the PGA organizers aren't making the course any easier for the golfers.

On both the Nos. 1 and 18 holes, the organizers have the option to change the hole from a par-4 to a par-5, and golfers won't be told of any changes until the day of that round, per Bob Harig of ESPN.

Decisions like the above, along with the fact that the course is already difficult enough to play as is, have left some players, like Lee Westwood, scratching their heads:

And yes, the course is no joke. Consider the following, from Justin Ray of the Golf Channel:

Don't be surprised if the winner of this tournament shoots above par. PGA organizers almost seem to be hoping that will be the case given some of the decisions being made about the course.

If anyone is going to tame this course, Rory McIlroy seems the most likely, with Jordan Spieth a close second. The two young superstars of golf have the well-rounded games that will be needed to tame such a demanding course. 

Bubba Watson is certainly a player to watch, as his driving ability and penchant for the spectacular shot could play quite nicely at this course. Phil Mickelson is also an intriguing player to keep an eye on, as a hot Lefty is always a threat at the majors. A cold Lefty, on the other hand, could be out of contention quite quickly.

The course seems likely to chew up Tiger Woods and spit him out, meanwhile. Could we see Woods shoot another 85, or worse? At this course, anything seems possible. 

Indeed, the players who play it safe and play for par on each hole will likely be rewarded. This year's U.S. Open feels as much about limiting horrible shots as it does about making great ones. Patience and consistency will likely be rewarded over risk-taking and highlight-reel shots. 

Regardless, the course at Chambers Bay figures to be the main protagonist—or, depending on who you ask, antagonist—at this year's U.S. Open. Prepare yourself for plenty of ugly scores.