With a stiff breeze blowing across the testing links on the edge of the Monterey Peninsula, scoring was tough on the back nine and none of his rivals could mount a serious challenge.

BBC: US Open: Graeme McDowell triumphs at Pebble Beach

But then he will hone his preparations for Lytham and told gathered reporters after his Congressional win that he faced a testing challenge on the seaside links in northern England.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Englishman Lee Westwood was tied for fourth with South Africa's Retief Goosen on two-under after they shot 70 and 71 respectively on the testing, 7, 204-yard links course.

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