German golf ace Martin Kaymer reportedly shot a spectacular five-under 65 to take a three-shot lead over Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell on day one of the US Open at Pinehurst.
The former world number one reportedly hit three birdies in his last five holes to race past McDowell, Americans Kevin Na and Fran Quinn and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge.
According to the BBC, Kaymer, who won the 2010 US PGA, displayed superior form to eclipse the 68s of McDowell and Na set in softer, more receptive morning conditions on the renovated Pinehurst No.2 course.
Kaymer, who won the European Ryder Cup, said that it is nice if one has just won before, adding that he needed it for his confidence, for all the work he put in the last couple years, to show that it was all worth it.
Kaymer also said that he sees things very positively now.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy shot 71 alongside English amateur Matthew Fitzpatrick, while six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson took 70, with defending champion Justin Rose carding 72 and world number one Adam Scott 73, the report added.
