Kaymer takes three-stroke lead

Germany's Martin Kaymer stunningly birdied four of his last nine holes in the toughest conditions of the day to seize a three-shot lead in the US Open first round at Pinehurst Resort on Thursday.

Seeking a second major title after clinching his first in the 2010 PGA Championship, Kaymer produced sizzling form on a hot and sunny afternoon as he fired a five-under-par 65 on Pinehurst's fabled No. 2 Course.

Out in one-under 34, the 29-year-old German stormed home with birdies at the 10th, 14th, 16th and 17th to take control of the second of the season's four majors on a layout that had been softened overnight but became increasingly firm on Thursday.

"I would have never expected myself to shoot such a low round at Pinehurst because of the conditions, but it's a very, very good round of golf," Kaymer told reporters after shooting the lowest ever score at the venue in a US Open.

"I just played really well today. I didn't make many mistakes, I hit a lot of fairways, I hit a lot of greens. It is a good start, but that's it. There's nothing more than that. Five under par is exceptional. But it is not normal, so no one really should expect me to shoot another five under the next three rounds," said Kaymer.

Former champion Graeme McDowell, without playing at his best, delivered a consummate display of course management to card a 68 and ended the round level with Americans Kevin Na and Fran Quinn and burly Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge.

Kapur tied 68th

Meanwhile, India’s Shiv Kapur finished his opening round with a three-over 73, leaving himself some work to do in the second round to make the halfway. He was tied 68th.

Leading Scores (after 18 holes): 65: Martin Kaymer (Ger); 68: Fran Quinn (US); Brendon De Jonge (Zim); Kevin Na (US); Graeme McDowell (UK); 69: Henrik Stenson (Swe); Matt Kuchar (US); Brandt Snedeker (US); Brendon Todd (US); Jordan Spieth (US); Hideki Matsutama (Jpn); Harris English (US); Keegan Bradley (US); Dustin Johnson (US); Francecso Molinari (Ita).