Gear & Equipment
2 MIN READ
June 18, 2026
Three Of The Biggest Drives From Round 1 At The U.S. Open
Big winds and firm conditions led to massive drives around Shinnecock Hills during round 1 of the U.S. Open.
On a day that started off slow, thanks in part to a fog delay that pushed back tee times, firm and fast conditions, along with gusting winds, reigned supreme during round one at the U.S. Open. And, thanks to these conditions, the true stars of the show - the players got to show off their talents to not only navigate Shinnecock Hills' links but also unleash some insanely long drives.
These were some of the longest drives from Thursday's play at the U.S. Open.
Bryson DeChambeau - No. 12, 427 Yards
With the 12th hole playing downwind, it was prime for someone to take advantage, and with the help of his new prototype TaylorMade driver (shafted with a ProjectX Titan), Bryson made literal short work of the 472-yard 12th hole by smashing one 427 yards, then hitting it to 6 feet before draining his bridie putt.
Dustin Johnson - No. 3, 403 Yards
Even with the winds calming down later in the afternoon, Dustin Johnson took it upon himself to launch an absolute missile down the 497-yard 3rd hole to set up a wedge to a few feet leading for birdie. (With players still left to finish round one), Dustin birdie was one of 36 on the day. DJ hit is drive with a new Titleist GTS2 and Fujikura Ventus Black.
Titleist GTS2 Driver
GTS2 features a breakthrough construction that pushes distance and forgiveness to new extremes—generating powerful and consistent performance
$700
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Rory McIlroy - No. 5, 396 Yards
During the first wave of round 1, Rory went from 1-shot back to the lead after setting up an eagle on the 5th hole. From close to 200 yards away, he hit a pitching wedge - yes, a pitching wedge (downhill, but still nuts) to around 15 feet, after hitting his drive just under 400 yards. It was one of just 3 eagles on the 5th hole during play today. He hit the drive with his TaylorMade Qi4D and Fujikura Ventus Black.
With winds expected to continue, this could just be the start of whats to come for the rest of the event.
TaylorMade Qi4D Driver
The re-engineered head profile increases ball speed thanks to improved aerodynamics developed through advanced simulations.
$650
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