US Open: Speedy start sees Rory McIlroy card impressive 67

A three-under-par 67 left McIlroy two shots off the clubhouse lead held by world number three Justin Thomas

Rory McIlroy (right) carded an opening 67 in the US Open at Winged Foot. Picture: AP Photo/John Minchillo

Two days after stressing the need for a fast start, Rory McIlroy got just what he hoped for in the first round of the 120th US Open at a relatively benign Winged Foot.

Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy shot five over par to win the last US Open at the venue in 2006, while American Hale Irwin was seven over in surviving the so-called “Massacre at Winged Foot” in 1974.