PINEHURST, N.C. -- Golf's poster child for slow play,
Kevin Na, had a share of the early lead at the U.S. Open after shooting a 2-under 68 on Thursday.
Na, who sat out most of last year with a back injury, had an eagle, three birdies and three bogeys in his first round at Pinehurst No. 2. He and Graeme McDowell shared the early lead until Martin Kaymer passed it late with a 5-under 65.
"The course was a lot softer than I was expecting it," Na said. "I'm not saying it was playing easy, it wasn't playing as difficult as I was expecting it, but I know for sure that Friday, Saturday, Sunday, it's going to play harder and harder.
"And by Sunday, I know even par's going to be a good score."
Na's best finish in a major was a tie for 10th in the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club. It's going to be very interesting to see how Na's nerves hold up over the next couple of days. On Thursday, he looked comfortable and showed none of the odd quirks and mannerisms that have characterized his play over the past few years. He still labored intensely over every detail with his caddie, but he looked to be more certain about his decisions once he got over the ball.
Na has one of the best short games on tour. In 2014, he ranks second in scrambling.
"Obviously, if everyone's missing greens and you have to get up and down, I feel like I've got an advantage," he said.
If the 30-year-old South Korea native can master the mental space over the next three days, his short game might just lead him to his first major championship.
The eyes of the golfing world will certainly be watching to see how fast he plays.