Overview
- Mitchell opened on the back nine and turned in a 6‑over 41 after a double‑bogey on No. 10 and multiple bogeys before playing the front nine.
- He then shot a 6‑under 29 on the front with birdies on Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 9 plus an eagle on the par‑5 fifth to finish even‑par 70.
- The U.S. Open confirmed the 29 was only the seventh nine‑hole 29 in tournament history and the first 29 on the front nine at Shinnecock Hills.
- The PGA Tour said the front‑nine 29 equaled Mitchell’s best nine‑hole score in 231 starts, while a single analyst reported he may be the first to card 40+ on one nine and sub‑30 on the other in the same U.S. Open round.
- Mitchell earned his spot through final qualifying, was making his 15th major start, and the comeback at a wind‑blown Shinnecock kept him well placed for Thursday’s second round.