Scottie Scheffler entered Thursday's opening round of the 2024 U.S. Open in search of his second major of the season. Scheffler previously captured his second Masters title back in April.

However, for seemingly the first time all year, the World No. 1 showed everyone he is human after all. After Scheffler bogeyed the par-4 16th, he found himself seven shots off the lead. But a bounce back birdie on 17 salvaged the day as he signed for a 1-over 71. He is six shots behind co-leaders Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay.

Scheffler has been on a historic run not seen since the prime Tiger Woods years.

He has made the cut in all 13 events in 2024, winning five of them. They include the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, The Masters, the RBC Heritage and The Memorial. In doing so, Scheffler became the first player in PGA Tour history to win The Players in back to back years.

Among the other eight tournaments, Scheffler's worst finish was T17 at The American Express in January. He finished the rest each inside the top 10.

Keep in mind, that is coming off of his stellar 2023 season which saw him win the PGA Tour Player of the Year award.

He is clearly the best ball striker in the world, which is quite the amazing feat considering his hilarious footwork after impact.

Scottie Scheffler facing tough hill to climb

Scheffler is not accustomed to having to climb a hill like the one facing him at Pinehurst No. 2. Between he and the leaders are 33 other golfers, with major champions mixed in, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

Playing conditions were ideal Thursday, making this a missed opportunity for the world's best golfer. Winds are expected to pick up into the weekend. The course and greens will harden with scoring conditions likely to be highly difficult.

That will make it hard on anyone, including Scheffler, to post the type of scores seen Thursday.

The U.S. Open is notorious for being the most difficult tournament of the year. Year after year carnage takes place all over the course with winning scores in the single digits, if not over par.

It does not appear to be that severe this year. But you can bet that course officials will make certain Pinehurst No. 2 bites back Friday.

If Scottie Scheffler is not on top of his game, he may find himself below the cut line for the first time this year.