Warning: mysqli_query(): (HY000/1030): Got error 28 from storage engine in /home/sportsun/public_html/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 1942

If majors were 18 holes instead of 72, Rory McIlroy would have won his third major out of the last four on Thursday.  But they’re not. McIlroy can still say he’s had the first round lead in a major for the third time after racing out to a three-shot lead with an opening round 65 at the US Open. He blew his first round lead at the 2010 British Open on Friday, and his lead at The Masters on Sunday, so can he keep this one?

“There’s 54 more holes left to play,” said Rory. “I know that more than anyone this year. There’s a long way to go.” Rory also told reporters that legend Jack Nicklaus told him he wanted to “kick his backside” after his final round collapse at The Masters, and gave him some advice to draw on.

“He emphasized so much to me about not making mistakes,” Rory said of Jack’s advice. “That was his big thing. He said people lost a lot more majors and gave them to him than he actually won.”

Tied for second at three shots behind Rory were Charl Schwartzel, the man who The Masters Rory blew, and Y.E. Yang, winner of the 2009 PGA Championship. Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champ, is four shots back, while fellow Northern Irishman and defending US Open champ Graeme McDowell is five back.

Phil Mickelson, World No. 1 Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer are nine shots back.  Mickelson was in the same group as McIlroy and was awfully impressed by the young phenom’s round. “The game’s easy when you hit it straight and make every putt,” said Phil of Rory, who was the only player in the field to turn in a bogey-free first round. “No course is too tough when you hit it like that. He played terrific.”