Marc Leishman feels primed to put himself into weekend contention after his best opening round at the US Open.
The 33-year-old Australian started the year's second major with a solid four-under-par 68 at debut US Open host Erin Hills in Wisconsin, to sit just three shots back of leader Rickie Fowler.
World No.9 Fowler fired a blistering 65 to be all alone at seven under, finishing with a one-shot lead over American Xander Schauffele and England's Paul Casey (both 66).
Leishman, the leading Australian in a tie for seventh, had never shot an opening round under par at the US Open in six previous starts.
But the in-form Warrnambool native is confident of building towards his best finish, having only one top-20 result and three missed cuts.
"I'm feeling good; the US Open hasn't always been my best golf," Leishman said.
"I've got some improving to do but I don't mind shooting four under.
"As far as US Open courses go, I feel like this one suits me the best.
"It requires imagination and If I can tighten up the driver it will go a long way in this tournament."
Chasing his first major title, 28-year-old Fowler equalled the lowest opening score relative to par in US Open history, joining Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, who both shot seven-under 63s at Baltusrol in 1980.
Fowler believes his victory at the Honda Classic in February, as well as the five top-five finishes he's earned at the majors, can propel him to a breakthrough title.
"Having a win this year at Honda, being in contention at majors in the past has definitely done a lot for me," Fowler said.
"It's going to be a fun week. I like the way this course suits my game."
Meanwhile, top-ranked Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott had sluggish starts on the longest course in major championship history.
Scott, the world No.12, missed a one-foot putt on the first and needed two birdies and an eagle in his final four holes to sign for an even-par 72 to share 45th place.
Day carded a disastrous 79 - his second worst score at a major, behind an 80 at the 2012 US PGA Championship.
The world No.3 languishes near the bottom of the leaderboard after a round that included two triple-bogeys,.
South Australia's Wade Ormsby began his debut major championship with a 75, joining compatriot Nick Flanagan at three-over and tied for 102nd place.
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