 US-based Laird was making his debut in a major |
Colin Montgomerie's 2007 US Open bid got off to a poor start at the course where he finished runner-up when the event was last played there in 1994. The 43-year-old Scot double-bogeyed the last to complete a sloppy six-over 76.
US-based compatriot Martin Laird also dropped shots on the final two holes to equal that score on his major debut.
Richie Ramsay, the US Amateur champion, carded an eight-over 78 after going round Oakmont with Tiger Woods and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy.
Montgomerie lost in a play-off the last time the tournament was played at the course.
But, this year, he and his fellow Scots will have their work cut out to make the weekend's final two rounds.
England's Nick Dougherty left them in his wake with an impressive 68.
However, Ramsay did not seem too disheartened by his experience.
"It was a lot of fun out there today and the course made it even better the way it's set up," Ramsay said. "It's a great experience."
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