Golfer Keith Mitchell Makes US Open History with Wild 1st Round Turnaround at Shinnecock

Keith Mitchell appeared on his way to a disastrous opening round at the US Open on Thursday, but he saved it in historic fashion.

Mitchell became the first golfer ever to record a 29 on the front nine at Shinnecock Hills, and it was just the seventh nine-hole score of 29 in U.S. Open history, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach. He finished the day at even-par 70 despite the horrific start.

He carded a double-bogey six on the opening hole after hooking a tee shot into the rough. He then made bogeys on Nos. 11, 13, 14 and 16 and made the turn 6-over 41.

Mitchell followed that rough start with a tremendous showing on the front nine.

He birdied on three of the first four holes while also picking up an eagle on the fifth hole and another birdie on the ninth to post a 6-under 29 on the front nine.

Mitchell dug himself into a hole to start the U.S. Open, but he's still in the mix thanks to the outstanding recovery. He'll look to keep his momentum going into the second round.