Fowler surges clear as blimp crash rocks US Open

 

Fowler, the world number nine from California, revelled in benign conditions at Erin Hills Golf Course to notch seven birdies and 11 pars to take a two-shot lead.

With the picturesque par-72 course set up at a monstrous 7,845 yards, Erin Hills had been expected to live up to the US Open's billing of being the toughest test in golf.

But heavy rain, which has softened greens and made fairways more forgiving, created an inviting start to the second major of the season.

Fowler wasted no time in exploiting the conditions after teeing off on the 10th, rattling off four quick birdies to be four under.

Three more birdies on the his inward nine took him to seven under.

While the lowest opening round score at a US Open is 63, Fowler's round saw him equal the record for the lowest score to par in the first round set by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf in 1980.

"It's cool, but it's just the first round," Fowler said afterwards.

"It is always cool to be part of some sort of history in golf. But I'd rather be remembered for something that's done on Sunday."

Three players -- Brian Harman, Tommy Fleetwood and Brooks Koepka -- were in the clubhouse on five under, two back from Fowler.

- Crash drama -

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Thursday's opening round was jolted early on by the fiery crash of a blimp hovering near the course.

Players and fans looked on in disbelief as the aircraft fell from the sky near the venue.

The pilot was later being treated for burns, local law enforcement officials said.

Officials from the advertising company which owned the airship said the pilot remained on board, refuting witnesses who said he appeared to have parachuted from the craft.

The incident stunned golfers and fans who witnessed it.

"I was teeing off and I looked up and saw it on fire, and I felt sick to my stomach," American Jamie Lovemark said.

"I had the shakes. I felt terrible for the people inside. I didn't know what was going on. It was a horrible sight," added Lovemark, who shot a three-under-par 69.

The US Golf Association later confirmed the blimp was not affiliated to the tournament.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time," the USGA said in a statement.

 

- Johnson stumbles -

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Back on the course world number one Dustin Johnson got off to a shaky start in defence of his US Open title, carding a three-over-par 75.

Johnson, who arrived at Erin Hills confident that the layout was tailor-made for his big-hitting style, never looked comfortable during a wayward front nine which included a double bogey and two other bogeys.

"I just didn't putt very well," Johnson said afterwards.

"I missed a lot of really good opportunities. That was the big key for me. If I don't three-putt, I shoot even," Johnson said afterwards.

"But if I just make one or two of the good looks I have, it's a couple under. I didn't hit it great, but I hit it good enough to shoot a good score."

Masters winner Sergio Garcia and world number two Rory McIlroy teed off later in the day and were quick to get in the red.

Spanish star Garcia opened with an eagle three on the 613-yard par-five first while McIlroy also grabbed an early eagle on the par-four second.

However both players struggled to build on their fast starts, with McIlroy one over after 11.

Australia's Jason Day, the world number three, was sliding towards an early exit after hitting two triple-bogeys in a single round. Day was seven over after 12 holes.

Former US Open champion Ernie Els meanwhile chose the 20th anniversary of his last victory in the tournament to remind fans that he is not quite ready to be put out to grass.

The 47-year-old South Africa posted a two-under-par 71. His round would have been better had it not been for two bogeys in his closing holes.

"All in all, I've got to be happy," Els said. "You take a two-under-par in the first round in the US Open, you're right there."