By Simon Hunter
It wasn't a good day for two of Northern Ireland's golfing stars in the first round of the US Open at Erin Hills, Wisconsin.
Starting the tournament as one of the favourites, for his second US Open title, Rory McIlroy carded a 78, leaving him 6 over and 13 shots behind leader Rickie Fowler.
Fowler shot seven birdies to finish the opening act with a one shot lead over England's Paul Casey and USA's Xander Schauffele.
Recapping the top moments from Round 1 of the 117th #USOpen at Erin Hills. pic.twitter.com/TwHYcoMftl
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 16, 2017
Graeme McDowell meanwhile was 4 over-par, while other big names failed to break par.
Defending champion Dustin Johnson carded a 75, Jason Day a 79, and Danny Willett an 81.
Well I must say... I think that 🐦 on the last kept me in with a sniff.. 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻 @usopengolf @EuropeanTour @TeamISM #lovethisgame 🏌🏻🏌🏻
— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) June 16, 2017