From opposite ends of the world, Jordan Spieth and Hideki Matsuyama start strong

PINEHURST, N.C. – With every big tournament, Jordan Spieth keeps living up his reputation as a rising star.

So does Hideki Matsuyama — even if not as many people notice.

Spieth made four birdies Thursday in the U.S. Open and opened with a solid round of 1-under 69, one shot off the lead among early starters. That's no surprise. The 20-year-old Texan shared the 54-hole lead in the Masters and The Players Championship, though he didn't win either.

Matsuyama is a 22-year-old from Japan. He won four times last year and became the first rookie to win the Japan Golf Tour money list. And just two weeks ago, he matched Spieth in PGA Tour victories — one each — by winning the Memorial.

Matsuyama played with Spieth. He also shot 69.