The opening round of the 2012 US Open was a day to forget for Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald as they made disastrous starts on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood
The 23-year-old McIlroy kicked off the defence of his title with a 77, which leaves him 11 shots behind leader Michael Thompson while world No 1 Donald fared even worse with a 79.
Qualifier Thompson, playing in only his second US Open, claimed a shock first-round lead with a four-under-par 66 while former world No 1 Tiger Woods and England's Justin Rose were in a five-man group tied for second place.
Ulsterman McIlroy's 77 was in stark contrast to the 65 he carded at the opening round of the 2011 US Open at Congressional.
The defending champion initially declined to speak to reporters, but he eventually decided to have a few words.
"It's just so tough here if you put yourself out of position at all," he said.
"Too many times I just was in the wrong position off the tee or with my second shot.
"When you're trying to play catch up on this golf course it's very hard. I was able to make one birdie - I need to try to make more tomorrow and limit the mistakes.
"But you have to be so precise. Anything just a little off and it really punishes you.
"I tried to approach it like any other tournament I play and tried to go out there and shoot the best score I could.
"It wasn't my greatest day, but hopefully I can come out tomorrow morning and try and shoot a good one and at least try to be here for the weekend."
Donald, his search for a first major win, didn't make a single birdie in his opening round.
"In the US Open the margins are that much smaller and if you're just a little bit off it's tough.
"My putter kind of went cold, otherwise I could have probably ground out some more respectable score.
"The top three in the world and we make three birdies between us - it shows how tough it is.
"I tried to stay patient, tried to stay positive, but when I had those opportunities on the greens I couldn't take them."
Lee Westwood fared a little better than McIlroy and Donald, but his he will also not be too satisfied with opening-round 73.
Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson and Masters champion Bubba Watson also struggled.
Mickelson hit his opening drive into the trees and finished with a six-over 76 while Watson was two further shots back.
"I didn't play very well, obviously," said Mickelson.
"I've got a tough challenge just to get to the weekend. I will see if I can shoot under par - maybe that will get me there."
golf365.com