was up early in the morning, a little nervous about the place in Erin Hills history that he would claim Thursday.
First tee shot in the first group in the first U.S. Open in Wisconsin — not bad for a home state kid.
The former Oklahoma State golfer bogeyed 15 and 16 and closed with a birdie for a 1-over 73.
With a tip of his white cap following a round of applause from fans at the 18th green, Niebrugge, 26, ended the long morning that started with a 6:45 a.m. tee time .
"You're going to be nervous in any event, especially of this magnitude," he said.