US Open Golf 2017 Leaderboard: Live Look at Round 1 Scores, Overall Predictions

The U.S. Open promised to be different this year at Erin Hills, and the predictions of low scores were voiced when Jordan Spieth said that he though the scores at the Wisconsin course could be in the five- to 10-under range, per Gary D'Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The course does not appear to be as tough as many U.S. Opens tend to be, and that was especially true in the morning portion of the first round.

Nobody took advantage of the conditions more than Rickie Fowler, who dominated the golf course with a seven-under round of 65.

A seven-under opening round is rare at the U.S. Open. Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus both were seven under in 1980, and Fowler was able to take advantage of the stellar conditions in the morning when the winds were calm and the course was drying out.

Fowler's 65 did not include a single bogey, and that's the first time that an opening 65 did not include one in the history of the U.S. Open, according to Justin Ray of the Golf Channel.

As the first round continued, the winds picked up, making conditions somewhat more difficult, but not impossible.

However, many expect the greens to get quite a bit firmer throughout the final three days of the tournament since rain is not expected and the sun will bake the course. It may be much more difficult to score as the combination of winds and extra firm conditions impact scoring in a negative manner.

Whether Fowler can continue to play at a high level and compete for four days while at the top of his game remains to be seen, but it is clear that Phil Mickelson will not be a part of the action.

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Mickelson was hoping the start of the tournament would be rain-delayed and give him a chance to get to the Badger State. However, that did not happen and Mickelson withdrew Thursday morning so he could attend his daughter's high school graduation.

Mickelson has won every major championship except the U.S. Open, and it's a tournament that he has finished second six times.

"Obviously it's a tournament that I want to win the most, and the only way to win is if you play," Mickelson said recently, per Ben Everil of PGATour.com. "But this (the graduation) is one of those moments where you look back on life and you just don't want to miss it. I'll be really glad that I was there and present."

Brian Harman, Tommy Fleetwood and Brooks Koepka were close behind Fowler at five under, while Patrick Reed had a strong opening round and sits at four under.

Veterans Ernie Els and Lee Westwood are among the golfers at three under and within striking range of Fowler.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson is the favorite to win at Erin Hills, per OddsShark, but he got off to a slow start and he will have to pick it up from here if he is going to fight his way back into contention. Johnson shot a three-over 75 and finds himself 10 shots behind Fowler.

Prediction

Fowler has long been one of the most gifted players on the tour and he has the complete game to win the tournament. However, the question with Fowler is always consistency. It would be a bit of a surprise if he were to have four consecutive excellent rounds.

Fowler should remain in contention, but he will also have at least one difficult day.

Johnson is way behind, but we expect him to fight his way back, starting with the second round. He may not win, but he will be in contention by the start of the final round.

Jordan Spieth shot a one-over 73 and was unable to finish off many good opportunities that would have allowed him to climb up the leaderboard. Still, he did not hurt himself too badly and should fight himself into contention.

Koepka has the complete game to cause problems for the other strong golfers in the tournament. He wants to stay close and then make a title run on the final day. That would allow Koepka to stay out of the spotlight for the first 54 holes and then go for the title.

Look for Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy to put their imprint on the tournament as well.

By the time the tournament closes Sunday night, Koepka will be the surprise champion with Johnson, Garcia and Fowler chasing him home.