Matt Wallace found it tough going as the 118th US Open got under way at Shinnecock Hills, but the Moor Park-attached professional was far from alone in that respect as strong winds sent first round scores soaring.

The 28-year-old, who came through qualifying at Walton Heath to compete in his second US Open, shot a seven-over-par opening round of 77 and was in a tie for 88th at the end of the day, in and around some very high-profile company.

American favourites Bubba Watson and Phil Mickleson also opened up with rounds of 77 at the New York course, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods are one shot further back on eight-over, while Rory McIlroy fired an 80 and is near the back of the field on plus-10 after his first 18 holes.

Playing conditions were always going to be hard but the opening day was widely described as brutal as Wallace hit 36 per cent of the fairways – against an average of 70 per cent for the field – and 39 per cent of the greens in regulation.

Stating his round from the 10th, this year’s Hero Indian Open winner made three bogeys on his ‘front’ nine – at the par four 12th, 13th and 18th holes – followed by a double bogey six at the third and two further dropped shots at the par four fourth and ninth.

Only four players out of the 156-strong field ended the first 18 holes under-par - co-leaders Scott Piercy, Ian Poulter, Russell Henley and world number one Dustin Johnson.