Dustin Johnson one behind Andrew Landry after US Open first round
By Ali Stafford at Oakmont
Last Updated: 18/06/16 2:06am
Dustin Johnson got his US Open challenge off to a bogey-free start, as the world’s top three all struggled in tough scoring conditions at Oakmont.
Last year's joint runner-up posted three birdies to post a blemish-free 67 and join Lee Westwood one off early pacesetter Andrew Landry, who rolled in his only putt of the day to set the clubhouse target.
2011 champion Rory McIlroy bogeyed his last three holes on his way to a seven-over 77 and world No 1 Jason Day only managed one stroke better, while defending champion Jordan Spieth sits six shots off the pace having missed a couple of chances along the closing stretch.
After thunderstorms saw play suspended early on Thursday with Landry on the ninth green, the world No 624 rolled in a 10-footer when the first round resumed at 7.30am on Friday morning to extend his advantage.
A four-under 66 was the lowest first-round score in nine US Opens at Oakmont, beating the record previously held by Ben Hogan and Gary Player, while Westwood and Johnson got bids for maiden majors brightly with 67s.
Westwood finished with back-to-back birdies at the eighth and ninth, as Johnson followed gains at the sixth and 11th by nudging in from two feet at the 14th.
Sergio Garcia and Shane Lowry were a further shot behind alongside Scott Piercy, who briefly held a share of the lead before blemishes at the 15th and 16th.
A hat-trick of gains around the turn lifted Bubba Watson as part of an 11-strong group under par for the tournament, with 2007 champion Angel Cabrera beginning his week with a level-par 70.
Phil Mickelson, a six-time US Open runner-up seeking the elusive title that would complete his career Grand Slam, carded a four-over par 74, one stroke better than Masters champion Danny Willett.
Watch the US Open throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
