Graeme McDowell’s consistent major form continued after a rain delayed start to the US Openat at Bethpage’s black course in Farmingdale, New York. The Ulsterman finished his first round on Friday morning with a very impressive one under par 69.

Teeing off on the back nine on Thursday morning, the Portrush man played seven holes before play was postponed for the day. The 29-year-old started a little nervously but rebounded well. A par on his first hole was followed by consecutive bogeys. However, three straight pars and a birdie meant he was well placed when rain stopped play.

The rest clearly did McDowell well as he came out today and birdied his first hole (the par 3 17th) before a nice run of holes saw him card four pars and two birdies. A bogey on the 408 yard par 4 6th stalled that momentum slightly, but solid two pars to finish out the round leaves McDowell in excellent shape ahead of second round play.