Darren Clarke was well off the pace in his bid to secure a place in this month's US Open after opening with a 75 at the 36-hole qualifier at Walton Heath today.

Clarke was one of 51 players attempting to qualify for the second major of the year at Oakmont. Clarke's score left him tied 44th and he will need to shoot a low score tomorrow to have any chance of gaining one of the nine automatic places.

Paul McGinley fared much better on the Old Course to sign for a one under 71. Australian Marcus Fraser held the early lead on six under.