Louisville golfer Derek Fathauer put himself in prime position to make the cut at his first major by firing a 2-over par 73 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on Thursday.

In order to continue to playing through the weekend, Fathauer must either be within ten shots of the leader or among the top 60 golfers at the end of the second round. He currently sits in a tie for 31st.

Fathauer appeared poised to finish the day at even par, but back-to-back bogeys on No. 7 and No. 8 (he began his round on the back nine)  put a damper on what was an otherwise stellar round.

"On No. 7, I hit a bad approach shot," Fathauer said. "I had a bunker shot and didn't get it up and down. Number 8, I had it exactly where I wanted to (on the green), but three putted from there."

After being part of one of the first groups to tee off on Thursday, Fathauer's second round won't begin until 12:41 p.m. (3:41 EST). He is paired with co-leader Justin Hicks, who fired a 3-under par 68 on Thursday, and Scott Piercy, who shot a 78.

Not surprisingly, Fathauer's mom Barbara was very impressed with her son's opening round.

"He just looked like he belonged out there," she said. "I think he would say he messed up the last couple holes. He just missed a couple of putts that were tricky. If he keeps playing this well, then he should be playing this weekend."

She added that while she's happy Derek is making friends, she wishes he wouldn't "get so much sand on his slacks."

In 8,000 years, mom jokes are still going to be funny.

Best of luck to Derek today in San Diego.