Justin Rose was revelling in the challenge of Shinnecock Hills Golf Club after an opening 71 left him just two shots off the lead after round one of the US Open.
The Englishman was the last player to win this event with an over par score at Merion in 2013 and with just four players in red numbers after round one, a total of over 280 could bring victory on Sunday.
A tough set-up coupled with high winds meant that 69 was the best score of the day on Thursday and Rose admitted he enjoyed the task put before him on Long Island.
“It's a different type of enjoyment, right?” he said. “I enjoy the battle, I enjoy the fight, I enjoy the grind, really. I do enjoy it, especially when you're on the right side of the fight.
“When you get a bit cut up and bruised, it can change pretty quick.
"I'm aware of the big picture of this tournament, I think, and I think I knew what today was all about. It was about hanging in there. If I'd shot a 72 or 73, it would be a good day's work as well. Today is about eliminating a bad round and I think it's turned into a really positive start.
"I'm just really working hard out there to make sure nothing slips away. I definitely hit my share of poor shots at times but I was able to make a couple of great up-and-downs when I needed to just to keep the momentum going.
"I also feel like there were moments in my round when I could have made some mid-range putts to really have a great day."
Rose's Ryder Cup team-mate and playing partner Henrik Stenson was also at one over as he too went in search of a second Major Championship.
I enjoy the battle, I enjoy the fight, I enjoy the grind - Justin Rose
The Swede recovered from four over after five holes to sit just two shots off the lead and the 2016 Open Championship winner was pleased with his round.
"I was extremely happy with the day's work," he said. "I got off to a rough start scoring-wise.
"When it's hard, it good for me, Major golf is good for me. Whenever we play courses where the pars are coming hard, then I think that plays to my favour a lot of times.
"I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and I think I was way, way up there in greens in regulation today. So that's certainly going to pay off, even though you've still got extremely difficult two-putts."
