Davies tees off in practice at the Oakmont County Club

"It's funny but I feel I belong here, I'm not too overcome by it all," said the 22-year-old Bridgend man.

"I practised with Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald and they weren't doing much different to me. I've played big amateur events and feel comfortable."

Davies will play alongside Michael Putnam and Lee Williams in the first two rounds in Pennsylvania.

They are the first trio on the course from the 10th tee, due to start at 1200 BST on Thursday.

Former British Boys Champion Davies topped a field of 65 in qualifying in Maryland to claim a shock US Open place, beating the likes of Joey Sindelar and Fred Funk.

The ex-Brynteg Comprehensive School pupil has just finished at East Tennessee University, where he combined his golf with a business degree.

The fans have been rooting for me during the practics rounds Rhys Davies

Local media called him "the best player to ever play" at the college.

He extended his own ETSU record for career individual titles to 10 and became the first UK player to reach number one in America since Graeme McDowell achieved the feat in 2002 while at Alabama State.

Davies is expected to turn professional after this September's Walker Cup in Northern Ireland, and says he might stay in the States to forge a professional career.

"Luke was very successful here after finishing college and that could be a route I want to go down," said Davies.

"It's been quite flattering here at Oakmont because I have been signing a few autographs and the fans have been rooting for me during the practics rounds, you get the impression people are really on my side.

"It's very special being here, but I have to get used to it and believe that it's something I can do on a weekly basis.