Webb, beer, beaches and more: 7 surprises from Round 1 of the 2021 U.S. Open

The first day of the 121st U.S. Open is in the books (well, almost, except for a few players who need to finish their opening rounds on Friday). So what did we learn in Round 1? Lots. But there were also some surprises. Here are seven of them from Day 1 at Torrey Pines.

Webb Simpson. A six-bogey front nine and eight-over 79 — the third-worst score of the morning wave — leaves one of the favorites way out of contention.

The wait for beer. If you have to sit in line for this long, make sure you buy a couple.

Matthew Wolff. What a round from Matthew Wolff, who has struggled on the course, took some time off and was open with his battles when speaking to the media earlier this week. He made just five pars(!) en route to a one-under 70 and is just three off the co-lead held by Russell Henley and Louis Oosthuizen (thru 16).

The Peacock stream (the second time). At around 10 p.m. ET on Thursday the broadcast switched from NBC to streaming on Peacock, but when golf fans switched over they were welcomed with a broadcast that consisted of golf shots but no commentary. Just waves crashing, clubs walloping golf balls and fans clapping. Social media was obviously confused, but eventually, after about 5-10 minutes, the broadcast team returned. It was a weird stretch.

This flop shot. I’ve never seen a golf ball fly this high in the air on such a short shot. Kudos, Kevin Na.

Francesco Molinari. He’s played just four PGA Tour events in the last four months, missing the cut in three and finishing 52nd in the other. His scoring average over that stretch was 74.2 and he had as many rounds in the 60s (1) as he did in the 80s (1). Yet Molinari shot 68 Thursday and is tied for 2nd.

Nudist beaches. What? You knew there was one just a wedge shot away from this week’s action? I sure didn’t.

Brooks Koepka. Just Kidding. Of course we expected him to be in the mix! It’s a major, after all.