Magnificent Phelan finds a touch of magic at Merion

Waterford amateur Kevin Phelan produced a sensational display of control and intelligence to leave a host of superstars in the shade in the first round of the US Open at Merion.

The quietly spoken 22-year-old, who has lived in Florida since he was nine but still speaks with a clear Waterford drawl, opened with an impressive, one-over par 71 at the storied Philadelphia venue.

That was two strokes better than three-time major winner Pádraig Harrington or Spain’s Sergio Garcia, who shot 73, and four lower than US Ryder Cup star Keegan Bradley (77).