Robert reckons even that's not bad for starters

While star names Rory McIlroy (74), Bryson DeChambeau (73) and Justin Rose (77) floundered on the notoriously difficult Oakmont course in Pittsburgh, the Scot's 70 has him in a strong position after day one.

- BY DALE RANKIN

This was the 34-year-old American's first time at Oakmont, which left him feeling nervous.

Spaun said: “All you've been hearing is how hard this place is and it's hard to not hear the noise and see what's on social media.

“You're just kind of only hearing about how hard this course is.

“I was actually pretty nervous but I tried to harness that, the nerves, the anxiety, because it kind of heightens my focus, makes me swing better, I guess.

“I just tried to kind of take what the course gave me. I hit a lot of good shots and tried to capitalise on any birdie opportunities, which aren't very many out here.

“But I scrambled really well too, which is a huge component to playing well at a US Open, let alone shoot a bogey-free round.

“I'm overly pleased with how I started the tournament.”