Rose is looking increasingly comfortable on golf's big stage

The 26-year-old Englishman got himself into a share of the US Open lead with compatriot Nick Dougherty only to run out of steam down the stretch.

Rose, who started with a double bogey, eventually carded a one-over 71.

"I'm right in the hunt, right in the ballgame from the word go. There's three rounds to go but that's a good, solid start," he said.

Rose, who started at the 10th, bounced back from his ignominious opening when he reeled off three straight birdies from the 12th. He gave a shot back at 15, though, to reach the turn at even par.

Birdies at one and three tied Rose for the lead before trouble struck at the 5th. He drove into a bunker, blasted out on to the front of the green and then three-putted for bogey.

606: DEBATE I predict Rose will win with a score of two over and Monty will miss the cut GM

The Florida-based star then dropped further shots at the par-three 6th and the par-three 8th.

"I made five birdies in my round and anytime you make five birdies around here that's a good day," Rose said. "The key is to limit your mistakes and, unfortunately, I didn't manage to do that completely.

"I haven't shot myself out of the tournament today, which is what round one is all about, getting yourself in the tournament from the word go.