McIlroy finds form as world’s top three struggle

The top two golfers in the world, both hoping to break their major ducks this weekend, could do no better than 74 and 75 respectively on the par-71 layout.

But it was a different story for Rory McIlroy in his first round at a major since closing the Masters with an 80 from four in front in April.

The 22-year-old Northern Irishman birdied the 12th, 17th and 18th for a superb back nine 32 that made him joint leader on three under.

McIlroy’s brilliant play was carried through to the outward nine – his inward half – and he added a 33 for a six-under-par 65 that saw him lead by three from Korean YE Yang, South African Charl Schwartzel and Spain’s Sergio Garcia.

Donald and Westwood were grouped with third-ranked Martin Kaymer and, since he also managed only a 74, it was no wonder Donald said: “There were no fireworks – we just didn’t get on a run.

“At times you need one of the guys to get everyone going and it just didn’t happen today.”

Pre-tournament favourite Westwood added: “I didn’t swing it very well and you just don’t get away with it at a US Open.

“If we had played like the top three in the world it would have been more enjoyable for the people to watch, but none of us played well and we all just about got what we deserved.”

Defending champion Graeme McDowell and Swedes Johan Edfors and Henrik Stenson were the best of the early European starters with one-under 70s.

But, despite windier afternoon conditions, there were some promising moves being made.

Not only by McIlroy, but also Garcia, who like Edfors came through a play-off in one of the qualifying events. The Spaniard birdied the second and long sixth and turned two under.

McIlroy was playing with Phil Mickelson, but on his 41st birthday the American left-hander – five times a runner-up in the championship – could only watch as he hit his opening shot into the lake short of the green at the par-three 10th and he would finish with a three-over-par 75.

Donald had high hopes after making birdies at his opening two holes – the feared 10th and 11th – after superb four-iron approaches.

But then came no fewer than four bogeys in five holes, followed by a double-bogey six on the 18th.

In contrast, McDowell hit back from an opening bogey with two quick birdies and then 12 pars in a row.

He said: “I felt really good (in the morning). I set myself some challenges – to think well, go through my process and keep patient.

“I just tried to take each hole as it comes and all in all I’m very happy. They’ve taken this course to the edge and you can see some of the greens are stressed.”

The Northern Irishman was halted in his progress for a while when a spectator needed medical attention on the 11th, but parring his way through the entire inward half – much the harder of the two – added to his confident mood.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, who won the two previous majors at which Tiger Woods was not playing, would have been one under as well but for a closing bogey six at the long ninth.

He said: “I would have taken it before I went out.

“If I had birdied the last rather than bogeyed it I would have felt a lot happier, but it was a fair reflection.

“I’ve got a new set of irons and I definitely had a nice bit of control. They’re next year’s model, but I get them six months in advance.”

Compatriot Shane Lowry began his debut with a 72 – what Donald would have given for his three on the 523-yard par-four 18th – while Paul Casey shot 73 and Justin Rose 74. He finished with a double-bogey six.

Fellow Englishman Robert Rock was level after five – no mean effort after arriving at his hotel at 3.30am.

That was caused by problems Sunday’s Italian Open winner had obtaining an American visa. He flew out of London only on Wednesday and did not play a practice round.

Rock making it just in time meant further disappointment for Scot Richie Ramsay, who was waiting to step in two weeks after turning up late for a play-off in the qualifier at Walton Heath.

Scotland were represented only by Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher as a result. Laird was level after seven, Gallacher one over after eight.