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"I knew I could do it the idea of into the equation, he said. It is not a question of trying to prove anybody wrong. I cherish the idea of trying to win any tournament in which I play, and this week is no different. It is simply a matter of doing out there to do what I love to do."

Meanwhile, there was also, spectacle from American journeyman Neal Lancaster who proved that even ordinary players can be inspired to extraordinary levels by the magic of the big occasion.

In Lancaster's case in was a back nine of 29 to equal the US Open record he set at Shinnecock Hills, on his debut in the event last year.

"You have to get breaks to win golf tournaments and you also, have some luck to shoot 29," he said afterwards, acknowledging the fortuitous nature of a birdie at the 15th where he chipped into the hole for an improbable birdie. "If I thought of myself as an unlucky person, I wouldn't play the game, he added.

The homeward journey contained four birdies and an eagle three at the 560 yard 12th which most competitors to be out of reach in two strokes. For Lancaster, it became an expertly cut driver off the fairway which sent the ball 253 yards to within two feet of the pin. Rarely can an eagle putt have been so easy.

Meanwhile, though Torrance was the only European challenger to threaten the leaders, encouraging performances led to nine survivors out of the original 14. Notable among these was David Gilford who shot a fine 69 to make the cut comfortably on 143, a stroke ahead of Ian Woosnam.

But Bernhard Langer, playing in his 12th successive US Open and his 13th in all, made a sad departure. The German's round started with an ominous four putts at the opening hole and he want on to suffer the indignity of disqualification, after signing for a four instead of a five at the short 17th.