McDowell pleased as he looks a perfect match for Pinehurst

Graeme McDowell allowed himself the pat on the back he knew Pinehurst No.2 would not give him after an opening round at the US Open that leaves the Portrush golfer primed to regain the title he won in 2010.

McDowell’s two-under-par 68, featuring a very special eagle at the par-five fifth, was his reward for a week of steeling himself to be mentally strong enough to resist an aggressive approach on this toughest of courses in North Carolina.

He had warned that Pinehurst No.2, with severe run-off areas waiting around fast, crowned greens, would require patience and the ability to grind and he took his advice to the letter with a gritty round that featured a birdie and a bogey to go with the eagle.