Utah native and former BYU standout Zac Blair turned in a steady opening round of 1-over 71 on Thursday at the 126th U.S. Open, leaving him in a tie with a slew of others in 29th as Round 1 was suspended due to darkness.
Blair, playing in his fifth U.S. Open after qualifying for the third straight year (this time as co-medalist at 8-under in Ohio), navigated a demanding day on the famed Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Par 70) without major fireworks but also without the big mistakes that plagued many in the field.
Blair, 35, displayed disciplined ball striking and smart management of the tricky fescue rough and firm, fast greens as he set himself up for a solid chance of advancing when the field is cut after Friday’s second-round action.