Early starters tee off as thunderstorm threat looms

The contrasting possibilities offered by Merion were soon on show as the 113th US Open got under way this morning, although bad weather was forecast to disrupt proceedings.

Cliff Kresge hit the opening tee shot at 6:45am local time and opened with a par four, but playing partners Roger Tambellini and Ryan Yip both ran up double-bogey sixes on the 350-yard first hole.

Sweden's Rikard Karlberg posted the first birdie on the same hole a few minutes later and was joined in red figures by former Masters champion Bubba Watson, who had picked up a shot on the 11th.

Five-time US Open runner-up Phil Mickelson was also among the early starters after his cross-country trip, the left-hander having flown home to California on Monday.

Mickelson attended his daughter's eighth-grade graduation yesterday afternoon before flying back in time for his 7:11am tee time alongside Steve Stricker and Keegan Bradley.

How long play would be possible remained to be seen, with the forecast saying thunderstorms were likely and an 80% chance of rain on a course already playing very soft following almost six inches of rain in the past week.