McIlroy off to iffy start at US Open

Rory McIlroy got his US Open campaign off to an unsuccessful start at Oakmont on Thursday, finding fairway bunkers off the tee at the second and fourth to drop two shots.

Rory McIlroy in action in the first round at US Open.

Rory McIlroy got his US Open campaign off to an unsuccessful start at Oakmont on Thursday finding fairway bunkers off the tee at the second and fourth to drop two shots. Playing partner and Masters Champion Danny Willett birdied the second but promptly handed that back at the next hole.

Defending champion Jordan Spieth was steady, starting from the 10th with two pars and then making birdie at the 12th.

Some familiar names were appearing on the leaderboard early on. British Open champion Zach Johnson was one-under after two holes and English veteran Lee Westwood was in the joint lead at two-under after birdies at 12 and 14. Also at two-under at the turn was Andrew Landry as well as Kevin Streelman after seven holes.

World number one Jason Day and six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson both had afternoon tee-times with thunderstorms in the forecast.