Fowler takes an early lead

Johnson, McIlroy fail to fire on opening day

On fire: R ickie Fowler claimed the first-round lead at the US Open with a record-equalling display while the big guns failed to fire.

American Rickie Fowler tamed Erin Hills to claim the first-round lead at the US Open on Thursday, making the so-called toughest test in golf look easy with a record-equalling display while the big guns failed to fire.

Fowler returned a seven-under 65 for a one-shot lead over compatriot Xander Schauffele and Englishman Paul Casey.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson opened defence of his crown with a shaky three-over 75, while No. 2 Rory McIlroy, sidelined for much of the year with rib and back injuries, opened with an eagle but could not shake the rust, fading to six-over 78 after being punished by the brutal fescue rough several times.

Important results (first round) : 65: Rickie Fowler (USA); 66: Paul Casey (Eng), Xander Schauffele (USA); 67: Brian Harman (USA), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Brooks Koepka (USA); 68: Patrick Reed (USA), Kevin Na (USA), Marc Leishman (Aus), Adam Hadwin (Can); 69: Jamie Lovemark (USA), J.B. Holmes (USA), Lee Westwood (Eng), Andrew Johnston (Eng), Kim Si-Woo (Kor), Scottie Scheffler (USA), Jim Furyk (USA), Bernd Wiesberger (Aut).