US OPEN RELATED STORIES US Open Home Page US Open Preview Round 1: Nick Dougherty is early US Open leader Round 1: Tiger Woods happy with opening 71 Round 1: Rose amongst European challengers Round 1: Despite problems Mickelson cards 74 Round 2: Angel Cabrera holds narrow advantage Round 2:Paul Casey tames Oakmont with a 66 Round 2: Poor putting costs Phil Mickelson Round 2: Tiger Woods stays in touch with a 74 Round 3: Aaron Baddeley edges two shots clear Round 3: Lack of patience costs Bubba Watson Round 3: European players in contention Round 3: Steady Tiger Woods closes in Round 4: Angel Cabrera seals narrow US Open win Round 4: Aaron Baddeley falls out of contention with an 80 Round 4: Poor drive costs Jim Furyk another US Open Round 4: Tiger Woods fails to find magic touch on Sunday Course Guide: Oakmont US Open Scores Ernie Els seeks 1994 inspiration Injured Phil Mickelson will play US Open Zach Johnson seeks second major title Tiger Woods ready for US Open Michael Campbell seeking a return to form Oakmont's injured highlight modern game Arnold Palmer recalls first Oakmont experience Oakmont eases a little with thunderstorm 2007 PGA Tour Schedule GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Greg Norman struggles at Troon Ochoa leads with flawless 65 Mike Weir amongst leaders Four share lead in Russia Padraig Harrington hungry for more success Michelle Wie to play on PGA Tour again GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Golf Breaks to Portugal & Ireland Half Price Golf Vouchers InstructaCard - your portable pro! The Father & Son Golf Ch'ship Golf Insurance

Justin Rose amongst European challengers

Justin Rose overcame a double-bogey on his first hole to post a one-over-par 71 and join a European charge in Thursday's U.S. Open first round.

Briton Nick Dougherty led the 156-man field at two-under 68, one stroke better than Argentina's Angel Cabrera. Tied for third place at level par were American Bubba Watson and twice Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain.

Rose, who started his round at the 10th, recovered with three successive birdies from the 12th and took his score to two under par with a birdie at the third before faltering with three bogeys over his last five holes.

"I haven't shot myself out of the tournament today, which is what round one is all about," the 26-year-old Briton told reporters. "I think after starting with a double in the first I feel like I managed to sort of keep myself in the game today.

"Although I dropped a few shots coming in, I'm pretty happy with the day."

Rose was one of 16 players at 71, including defending champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, former winners Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk and Europeans Pablo Martin of Spain, Anders Hansen of Denmark, and Swedes Niclas Fasth and Peter Hanson.

The European contingent are aiming to end a pair of droughts -- claiming a first major title since Paul Lawrie won the British Open in 1999, and a first U.S. Open crown since Briton Tony Jacklin prevailed in 1970.

"All in all I'm right in the hunt, right in the ball game from the word go," Rose said. "There's three rounds to go, but it's a good, solid start."