Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele were spotted working late into the night on Thursday after day one of the US Open.
World number one Scheffler scrambled his way to a hard-fought 71 after looking out of sorts for the majority of his round.
Schauffele also endured an up-and-down first day at Pinehurst, finishing one shot better at level par.
The in-form American duo have work to do heading into the weekend as they look to make up ground on leaders Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy, who sit at five under.
Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler spotted on the range late on Thursday evening
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A video shared by Golf.com late on Thursday evening displayed the top two players in the world working on their swings on Pinehurst’s range.
Schauffele was with his swing coach, primarily focussing on his driver. The 30-year-old hit six fairways during his first round and sits T140 for driving accuracy after day one.
Scheffler was seen working on his iron play. The normally metronomic American hit 12 greens in regulation, four less than the leaders.
The 27-year-old’s below-par approach play was ultimately punished by Pinehurst’s tricky greens and run-off areas.
Schauffele and Scheffler must go low to contend on Sunday
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Schauffele and Scheffler will have to go under par on Friday to stand a chance of competing over the weekend.
McIlroy looks in ominous form after his superb 65 and could be hard to chase down if the lead extends further.
Schauffele’s recent form is undoubtedly more concerning. The diminutive American looked well off his best at the Memorial Tournament last week and appeared to be seeking rhythm, and Pinehurst certainly isn’t the place to be slightly off the boil.
As for the world number one, if his worst round is a 71 on one of America’s most challenging courses, he’s probably quite content.
Given his ability to bounce back, it wouldn’t come as a shock to see Scheffler go low on Friday and Saturday.
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