Dougherty takes early US Open lead
Dougherty takes early US Open lead
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Thursday, 14, Jun 2007 10:52
English golfer Nick Dougherty carded an opening day 68 to earn a surprise clubhouse lead at two-under par after the opening stages of the 107th US Open.
The 25-year-old Liverpool-born player said he was "delighted" with his efforts at the Oakmont course in Pennsylvania, in which he recovered from a poor start to hit back strongly on the back nine.
A protege of six-time major winner Nick Faldo, Dougherty profited in the rain-soaked conditions to birdie holes 11, 13 and 17, having earlier dropped shots at the 7th and 8th.
Ranked 39th last year on the European Order of Merit, Dougherty cited his short game as having contributed to his strong showing in the first round.
"I didn't play that well from tee to green but my short game was red-hot," he said, adding that the softening of the course after the rain had allowed him to "stop the ball on some of the holes".
He also acknowledged that players who started their rounds in the morning could benefit from what was a "brutal" US Open course, adding that it "tests every aspect of your game and mentally as well".
Justin Rose also continued his recent good major form, with the 26-year-old reaching one-under par after 11 holes, with former US Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal also in contention at level par.
Colin Montgomerie's hopes of atoning for his narrow defeat at last year's championship at Winged Foot seem to have already evaporated after an opening 76 dampened his chances in the Oakmont rain.