U.S. Open Golf 2012 Leaderboard: Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk Under Par As Olympic Test Stiffens

Sectional qualifier Michael Thompson’s 4-under 66 is holding up quite well as the afternoon tee times make their way around Olympic. Thompson earned a spot in the field by qualifying at Woodmont Country Club and all he did on the first day was tie Payne Stewart for the lowest opening round at Olympic in Open history.

Thompson is one of only 10 players currently in red figures, with the other nine players three back at 1-under. Seven of those players are currently on the course, holding on as they play their second nine. A trio of Americans, representing two generations, are at 1-under. Jim Furyk, the 2003 U.S. Open winner at Olympia Fields, amazingly has yet to card a bogey through his first 11 holes. He played the difficult first six holes with five straight pars and then capped it with a birdie on the sixth.

Matt Kuchar, the 2012 Players Champion, is currently in the teeth of those first six holes at 1-under. He was a trendy pick before the tournament, as the lanky Georgia Tech product is always near the top ten but has yet to capture a major. Rickie Fowler, another winner last month, is also at 1-under.

The top three ranked players in the world however, are well over par and scuffling through their first round. Defending champ Rory McIlroy is 5-over. No.1 player in the world Luke Donald’s major championship struggles continue, playing the first 13 holes in 7-over. Despite having the best short game in the world, Donald is not a long hitter and lacks accuracy with his driver -- a shortcoming that’s particular penal at the U.S. Open, even with a graduated rough. Lee Westwood, another major-less Englishman who was tabbed as a favorite, is 4-over.

You can find a full 2012 U.S. Open leaderboard at USOpen.com.