Nicolas Colsaerts was pleased with his opening effort at the US Open Championship as the Belgian Ryder Cup star posted a one under par 69 at Merion.
On a short course not obviously suited to his big-hitting style, the 30 year old turned in a mature display to card four birdies and three bogeys either side of a three and a half hour storm delay.
Colsaerts
one under round left him just two behind clubhouse leader Phil Mickelson, and he was delighted to see his name on the
leaderboard
at a Major Championship.
“It is cool, especially in big tournaments like this, when you see big names up against you,” he said. “It feels good to play good on a big stage like this.
“I'm a decent ball striker, which is key on a US Open set-up. If it is soft the ball pretty much responds.
“I don't think I've really peaked anytime during the season - it's not very far off, but when you get to play courses that are pretty demanding, anything can happen, just as is proven today, really.
“I'm relieved, of course [to have finished]. I didn't want to hang around for a long time, but then we know that we are probably going to finish the second round Saturday morning. In or out, whatever side of the draw you're on, you're going to have to deal with some issues.”
