US Open tee times released! Anirban Lahiri grouped with Finau & Fox. Scheffler, McIlroy, Woods featured pairings. Full schedule & India viewing times.
Headline: US Open Tee Times: Lahiri Paired With Finau
Introduction:
Golf’s eyes turn to Pinehurst No. 2 as the 124th US Open tee times are finally revealed. For Indian fans, Anirban Lahiri’s high-profile grouping is the highlight. With stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods receiving prime slots, the schedule sets the stage for a dramatic Major championship start on June 13th.
Anirban Lahiri’s Marquee Grouping
India’s sole representative, Anirban Lahiri, will tee off at 7:29 PM IST (10:00 AM local) on Thursday. He joins a power-packed group featuring:
- Tony Finau (USA): 5-time PGA Tour winner
- Ryan Fox (NZ): 2023 BMW PGA Champion
This trio offers Lahiri major visibility and a competitive platform to challenge for the weekend cut.
Blockbuster Featured Pairings
The USGA unveiled several must-watch groups:
- Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy: World No. 1, PGA Champ & 4-time Major winner (Thurs: 6:14 PM IST / Fri: 11:29 PM IST)
- Tiger Woods, Will Zalatoris, Matt Fitzpatrick: 15-time Major champ, 2022 US Open runner-up & defending champ (Thurs: 11:29 PM IST / Fri: 6:14 PM IST)
- Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas: Clash of Major specialists (Thurs: 11:40 PM IST / Fri: 6:25 PM IST)
Key Tee Times for Indian Viewers (Thursday, Round 1)
(All times IST)
- 6:03 PM: DeChambeau, Hovland, Fleetwood
- 6:14 PM: Scheffler, Schauffele, McIlroy
- 7:29 PM: LAHIRI, Finau, Fox
- 11:29 PM: Woods, Zalatoris, Fitzpatrick
- 11:40 PM: Morikawa, Koepka, Thomas
(Note: Friday times flip – AM starters go PM & vice-versa)
Weather Impact on Tee Times
With Pinehurst forecast predicting highs of 35°C and potential afternoon thunderstorms, the draw is crucial. Players with early Thursday/late Friday slots (like Scheffler’s group) may face softer morning conditions before the brutal afternoon heat. Lahiri’s late-Thursday start risks encountering peak temperatures.
Where to Watch in India
- TV: Sony Sports Network
- Streaming: SonyLiv App
- Round 1 Start: Live coverage begins 5:30 PM IST Thursday
Strategic Importance of the Tee Sheet
Tee times significantly impact strategy at Pinehurst’s demanding layout. Morning starters often benefit from slightly slower greens and less wind. Afternoon players face baked-out, faster fairways and greens but potentially calmer evening conditions. Managing energy in extreme heat is critical for late starters.
Conclusion & What’s Next
The tee times set compelling narratives: Can Lahiri leverage his high-profile pairing? Will Woods withstand the physical grind? For Indian fans, Lahiri’s 7:29 PM IST Thursday start offers prime-time viewing. Weather remains the wildcard – delays could reshuffle the schedule. Success hinges on navigating Pinehurst’s notorious “turtleback” greens, regardless of tee time. Expect survival, not just scoring, to dominate the opening rounds.