Nick Dougherty’s two-under 68 was enough to fetch him the lead while world number one Tiger Woods was tied fifth after a round of one-over 71 after the opening round in the US Open.
In the challenging Oakmont golf course, Dougherty sunk four birdies as against a couple of bogeys to finish the first round one shot ahead of Argentine Angel Cabrera, who carded 69.
Meanwhile Woods, eying his third major title in four starts, struggled during his round of 71. His rounds included three birdies and two bogeys.
Woods birdied the second, sixth and 17th holes and bogeyed the first, eighth, 10th and 12th holes.
Apart from Woods, others who carded 71 included defending champion Geoff Ogilvy and former world number one Vijay Singh.
Three-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who is playing despite a wounded wrist, stuttered to four-over 74 and will have to work hard in the second round to make the cut.
