Padraig Harrington and Mark Hensby emerged as the frontrunners in the U.S. Senior Open after a gripping first round at Broadmoor, Colorado. Harrington, the 2022 champion, demonstrated his prowess by making four birdies, but it was his bogey save on the 15th hole that kept him tied with Hensby at 3-under 67.

Harrington's performance was a mix of brilliance and resilience. Despite a wayward tee shot on the 15th, he managed to salvage a bogey, which proved crucial in maintaining his position at the top. "You never feel good after you've lost a ball, so your head is a little scrambled," Harrington admitted. "You're just trying to get your head around what you're doing."

The Broadmoor course, known for its challenging terrain and altitude of 6,000 feet, tested every player's skills. Stewart Cink, who hit 17 greens on the opening day, finished with a bogey on the 18th, placing him in a group of seven players at 68. "It's not the kind of course where you string together four birdie putts in a row," Cink remarked. "I had some putts out there that were 20-footers with 8, 9 feet of break, and you're just not going to make that many of those."

Hensby, despite a bogey-bogey finish, had a remarkable front nine, making seven birdies to reach 6 under. "I've never been a very consistent player," Hensby said. "I'm hot or cold, and that kind of sucks."

The tournament's challenging conditions were evident, with the Day 1 scoring average at 73.94. Ángel Cabrera, a two-time senior major winner this year, struggled with a 73, missing crucial putts that could have changed his fortunes.

As the tournament progresses, players will continue to face the unique challenges posed by the Broadmoor course, including its altitude and unpredictable weather. The forecast predicts highs near 90 with a chance of rain, adding another layer of complexity to the competition.

With Harrington and Hensby leading the pack, the U.S. Senior Open promises more thrilling moments as the players vie for the prestigious title.