McIlroy back at the to pof the leaderboard
Well, the 111th US Open is underway, and although the forecast thunderstorm didn't hit Congressional, Rory McIlroy will be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice as he looks to be heading into another strong major position.
For the third time in four majors the young Northern Irishman leads after the opening round after a McIlroy masterclass saw him take apart a Congressional course that many struggled on - and one that was set up as long as it will be for the rest of the tournament.
Much talk was made of the marquee group of Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, but the world's top three struggled for a combined ten over par, despite Donald birdying his first two holes at 10 and 11.
Speaking of 10 and 11, the much talked-about back nine start did prove to be a tougher prospect than the front nine, playing just over a shot harder - but that did not stop McIlroy blazing round in a six-under 65.
How he handled his Masters meltdown had been commended by all, but even at this early stage media minds are wandering to Sunday and just how that Augusta 80 will weigh on his mind should McIlroy still be at the head of affairs.
Ability
For now though, let's just sit back and wonder in the skill, ability and downright nerve of the young man who refuses to let that Masters saga bring him down and right away in the very next major wants to be in at the sharp end.
Phil Mickelson watched enviously on as his birthday was spoiled by a terrible round of 74 - but even that three over did not represent just how badly he played off the tee, hitting just five fairways all day.
I saw Mickelson and coach Butch Harmon on the range, where he was booming drivers, and Butch later told me in our Sky Sports truck that he had been hitting the ball beautifully out there.
Just when the plan changed to a two iron off the tee, which twice found trees on the left, only he knows, and Butch was, let's say not over the moon when Mickelson then pulled out a driver to scuttle a low shot from the rough in the trees.
Lefty went miles left on the eight, 50 yards left in fact, and ended up in a bunker on the eighth hole, he was so erratic he was like me off the tee, luckily from then on he was Phil Mickelson and I suppose after that round he will feel three over is actually not that bad a score.
Mickelson is a huge crowd favourite here as well, I've never heard a reception like it, outside a Ryder Cup, just when he came off the range to start his round - it was a shame he found the water with his opening shot of the day!
Even Butch can't help Mickelson
Sergio surge
It's so nice to see Sergio Garcia up there as well, with the Spaniard who was singled out as a guaranteed major winner in his youth posting a two-under 69 to get himself right in the mix.
The day started and ended with some rain, but none of that dreaded lightning that had threatened, we really dodged a bullet there and are hoping for the same luck on Friday.
Scoring was generally good for a US Open with that bit of moisture softening up the greens somewhat, but rest assured Mike Davis and his crew are building towards making them as quick as ever during the weekend despite a late downpour continuing as we left the course.
We'll also hope for a little hurry-up in the pace, especially it seems on the back nine which took a few groups over three hours to complete.
Let's hope for more super action on Friday, Mickelson will be looking to turn things right around while playing partner McIlroy will want things to stay exactly the same, it'll be more than interesting seeing what happens back at Congressional on day two.
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