WATCH: Birdie joy at US Open as co-leader Rory McIlroy's bogey-free Pinehurst start shares links to past major glory

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the fifth hole after chipping in for birdie during the first round of the 124th US Open at Pinehurst. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy is seeking a first major title since 2014 and got off to the best start, making a birdie on the fourth and chipping in for another on the par-five fifth.

McIlroy reached the turn in 33 and picked up his third birdie of the day on the par-five 10th to improve to three under, just two behind leader Cantlay.

He closed that gap to one with a birdie on the 16th then par to enter the final hole in a promising position.

A fifth birdie of the opening round left McIlroy level alongside Cantlay on a five-under 65.

Records show McIlroy's previous three bogey-free opens to a major resulted in glory - (2014 Open, 2012 PGA, 2011 US Open).

Cantlay had covered the back nine in one under par before picking up shots on the first, fifth, sixth and eighth to return a superb 65, matching the first-round score of Martin Kaymer on his way to a runaway victory here in 2014.

Ludvig Aberg finished on a four-under score, followed by Matthieu Pavon on three-under – with Bryson DeChambeau through the 17th in a tie for fourth.

The marquee group in the afternoon wave featured the world’s top-three ranked players in Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, US PGA winner Xander Schauffele and McIlroy. The trio will tee off for today’s second round at 12.29PM (UK time).

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin yesterday walked off after his first round of a career major appearance with a four-over card of 74.

The 21-year-old stepped out at Pinehurst for a debut major in the same field as the game’s greats with an early birdie at the US Open.

That boost arrived four holes in before he capped the first leg with a double-bogey on the 15th and bogey two holes later.

Bogey scores were posted on the first and eighth holes from McKibbin’s first taste of life on the big stage, having secured his spot via qualifying.

McKibbin, a winner of a maiden European Tour title in 2023, was back at Pinehurst nine years on from his US Kids Golf World Championships triumph.

He will again line out alongside Rico Hoey and Matteo Manassero today from 5.30PM (UK time).