Phil Mickelson reached the turn in three under 32 to take the early first round lead in the US Open at Chambers Bay on Thursday.

The 45-year-old American, seeking a first US Open title after a record six runner-up finishes, had birdies at the third, fifth and eighth to state his case.

On two under after a handful of holes were was Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed as well as Marc Warren of Scotland and Swede Henrik Stenson.

World number one and tournament favourite Rory McIlroy set out in search of his fifth major title from the 10th and he birdied his second hole.

But he ran into bunker trouble at the 14th and then missed a four-footer for par at the next to drop to one over.

Masters champion Jordan Spieth and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods both had mid-afternoon tea times.
Source: AFP