McIlroy explains bunker rage | 'pleased' with start to US Open

Rory McIlroy was pleased with another strong start to a major at the 122nd US Open, despite letting his frustrations get the better of him during his opening round in Brookline.

The world No 3 followed last week's RBC Canadian Open victory by posting an opening-round 67 at The Country Club, mixing four birdies with a lone bogey to sit in a four-way tie for the early lead.

McIlroy also led after the first day at last month's PGA Championship, having previously had a torrid first-round record in majors, with the Northern Irishman now hoping to build on an encouraging display and chase a first major victory since 2014.

"A really solid start," McIlroy said. "You'd take 67 around this golf course any day. Even though I'm standing up here slightly frustrated that I bogeyed the last, it's a great start to the tournament.

"I felt like I did most things well. I certainly putted well, and I hit the ball in the right spots, and I hit a lot of greens, gave myself plenty of chances. Just basically did everything that you need to do at a US Open.

"Yeah, overall really pleased about the start. That's now two majors in a row that I've started well, and hopefully just keep going from here."

Starting on the back nine, McIlroy holed from eight feet at the 13th and 12 feet at the 15th to save par before registering his first birdie of the day when he rolled in a 20-footer at the par-three 16th.

McIlroy failed to convert a seven-foot birdie look at the 17th but picked up a shot at the par-four next to reach the turn in 33, with the Northern Irishman then gauging out of thick grass and making a 15-footer to save par at the par-three second.

The four-time major champion took angry swipes at a greenside bunker after going from sand to sand,