Only five players were under par when the delayed first round of the 113th US Open was completed, but Florida-based Scot Russell Knox was not about to complain.
That was understandable given that a round of 69 meant Knox was one of the elite quintet, but he was also determined to enjoy every minute of his major championship debut.
“It’s mayhem here, especially with the weather and the transportation,” Knox, 27, said, a reference to Thursday’s two weather delays totalling more than four hours and the compact tournament site which means the range is on Merion’s other course.
“It’s unbelievable (but) it’s as good as I would have ever hoped. I’m thrilled. I didn’t really know what to expect my first major, but I knew I was capable of having a nice round and made some nice putts and hung in there.
“It’s hard though. If you get on the wrong side of the hole, you’re in big trouble. I was lucky enough to leave myself some makeable putts today, but it’s going to be a struggle though.
“It’s tough, but I’m definitely not in a position to complain. My first major, I’m just thrilled to be here and so you won’t hear any complaining out of me.
“You always get a bit of nerves looking at a leaderboard and if I continue playing well the nerves will come in, but that’s what we live for. I feel like I bring my best golf out when I have that feeling.”
Knox, who won more than half a million dollars on the PGA Tour last year, added: “I moved to the States to go to college in 2004 and stayed here since in Jacksonville, Florida.
“I miss Scotland and the UK obviously but it is easy to live in Jacksonville. My parents live there also and my sister is in Glasgow. She is jealous sometimes of us living here but she has a nice job (at a local radio station).
“I’ve got a good crowd with me this week my parents, my coach and a few people supporting me so it is nice.”