Rory McIlroy set about silencing any lingering Augusta National demons with a commanding Congressional performance on the opening day of the U.S. Open.

McIlroy could proudly stand in front of the Washington DC parade after posting a superb 65 to be three clear of his rivals after the first day of the season’s second Major.

Rory McIlroy shoots a 65 to lead by three on day one of the US Open

The Ryder Cup winning star ended the day three clear of Korean and former US PGA winner, Y E Yang and Masters winning, Charl Schwartzel with 68.

It was just two month’s ago  Schwartzel, and McIlroy’s fellow ISM management stable-mate, birdied the closing four holes at Augusta to come from behind and deny the young Northern Irelander.

“It was a good round of golf as I didn’t really put a foot wrong,” said McIlroy. 

“The only mistake I made was missing the green on 14, and I held a nice sort of 15‑footer for par there.  Apart from that it was pretty much stress‑free golf.

“It was nice.  I feel like I’m driving it well.  I’m hitting my iron shots good, holing a few putts.  So it’s a nice combination.”

In a remarkable run of scores over the past three Major’s, McIlroy signed for a 63 on day one of last year’s British Open, a 65 at Augusta and now a 65 at Congressional.

And while he’s bravely put aside his Masters meltdown, McIlroy continues to handle the matter with diplomacy and dignity.

Leader board - Day 1 US Open - McIlroy leading by three after a bogey free round.

“I don’t know if it says that I’ve just got a very short memory but I took the experience from Augusta, and I learned a lot from it,” he said.

“But I feel like these good starts in the Majors are very much down to my preparation and how I prepare for them. 

“You can’t go into the U.S. Open thinking about what’s happened before, you’ve got to just be thinking about this week and how best you can prepare and how you can get yourself around the golf course.”

MEANTIME ——-

Rory McIlroy’s three-stroke lead is the largest first-round lead at the U.S. Open Championship since 1976, when amateur Mike Reid led four players by three shots. Below are the largest first-round leads in a U.S. Open since 1922:

Strokes                Year                Player                        First Round Score        Finish

5                1933                Tommy Armour                            68                                T4

4                1932                Olin Dutra                                      69                                T7

3                1922                Walter Hagen                                68                                5th

3                1950                Lee Mackey, Jr                             64                                T25

3                1953                Ben Hogan                                    67                                1st

3                1955                Tommy Bolt                                  67                                T3

3                1973                Gary Player                                  67                                12th

3                1976                Mike Reid-a                                  67                                T50

3                2011                Rory McIlroy                                 65                                TBA