England's Simon Dyson chipped in for eagle on the opening hole and did not look back as he started the US Open qualifier at Walton Heath with a six-under-par 66 today.
With 11 of the 75-strong field to go through, Dyson, who missed the cut on his only US Open appearance four years ago, led by one at halfway from Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin.
They played their first rounds on the easier New Course while over on the Old the best score was a four under 68 from England's Simon Khan, like Jacquelin bidding to qualify for the first time.
Following Colin Montgomerie's late withdrawal there were four former Ryder Cup players taking part, but while Jacquelin's compatriot Thomas Levet posted a 70, Paul McGinley shot 74, Niclas Fasth 75 and David Howell 78.
But Dyson was the man on pole position after 18 holes. He said: “It could have been 59 this morning – I played great out there. I got off to a perfect start: drove it down to the first green and chipped in for eagle.
“I was hitting it very close all morning and could have made a lot more birdies but I lipped out a lot. I dropped a shot at four but then birdied eight, nine and 13 and made a nice putt for birdie on the last. It’s a great start – I just have to try and stay focused and finish the job.”
The one amateur in the field was England international Sam Hutsby and he was well in the hunt for a spot after a 69 on the New Course.
