McClean's US Open plan? 'Keep the head down and play as well as I can'

His experience in the Masters taught him not to let a bad shot bring you down.

Matthew McClean of Northern Ireland. Pic: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Matthew McClean is taking in the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club as an optometrist from Belfast should – with perspective. The reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion is basking in the experience of a trip to Hollywood.

“It's been brilliant,” McClean said on the eve of his first-round tee time with Irishman Séamus Power and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox on Thursday morning in L.A. on the daunting North Course.