US Open Golf: Landry in lead, McIlroy’s hopes sent reeling

American journeyman Andrew Landry held the early first-round clubhouse lead at the rain-hit US Open at Oakmont on Friday, one-stroke better than former world number one Lee Westwood of England.

The 28-year-old Texan completed his 18 holes early on by knocking in the 10-foot putt at the ninth that he had slept on overnight after play was called off for the day due to a series thunderstorms.

That gave him a four-under 66, the best opening round ever at Oakmont in the US Open on the ninth time the tournament has been held at the famed course northeast of Pittsburgh.

Westwood returned to finish his round and he promptly birdied his last two holes - the tough eighth and ninth — for a 67.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry was alone on 68 and four players carded 69s — US Amateur Scottie Scheffler, fellow Americans Kevin Streelman and Bubba Watson, along with New Zealander Danny Lee.

Rory McIlroy’s hopes of winning a second US Open were sent reeling when a disastrous three-bogey finish to his first round saw him limp off the course with a seven-over 77.

That left him 11 shots off the early pace and in a battle just to make the cut.

The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland had ended the day Thursday at four-over after 13 holes after the players were called off the course due to weather conditions.

Defending champion Jordan Spieth had a 72 and Masters champion Danny Willett a 75.

Due to the time lost to bad weather on Thursday, half of the 156-strong field had yet to complete their opening rounds.

“It was tough,” Landry said of the delays, although he appreciated the more receptive greens.

“They’re a good speed and they’re so perfect out there,” said Landry, ranked 624th in the world. “You can make so many putts.”

The softer course was in stark contrast to the firm conditions of the practice rounds.

“Completely different golf course,” said Spieth. “I mean night and day.”