June 12 Oli Wilson makes impressive start

Oliver Wilson’s first US Open was two years ago, and after five holes he was out of the tournament, eventually missing the cut by a mile with rounds of 80, 76. So, it was especially encouraging for the 27-year-old from Mansfield that he shot a very solid opening round of 72. And, it could have been so much better, because he actually dropped three shots in the final four holes.

Playing in the group immediately in front of Tiger and Phil, Wilson spent much of the day looking back behind him at what the stellar group. “We were a two-ball after eight holes, because Mark [Calcavecchia] withdrew with an injury, and it was so slow out there, that I watched about half their rounds. Having the opportunity to watch the three best players in the world was entertaining, and even hitting the ball in a few places they shouldn’t have been. That gives you confidence in a way, when you see guys like that in those sort of positions.”

Wilson has had four second place finishes this season on the European Tour, and although it’s probably asking a bit too much of him to go one better this week, he has put himself in a very useful position after the first day.