Fowler, who is still searching for a first major title despite finishing in the top five of them all, dominated the opening round of action at the Erin Hills golf course in Wisconsin, posting a seven-under par 65.

The 28-year-old's round matched the seven-under totals of Americans Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, who both shot 63 in the first round on the par-70 layout at Baltusrol in 1980.

Fowler scored three birdies on the front nine and a further four on the back nine to gain a one shot lead.

His nearest challengers are England's Paul Casey and fellow American Xander Schauffele who are both on six-under.

Casey started well and chipped in from 30 yards to eagle the first, before adding birdies on three more holes on the front nine.

After a bogey on the 10th, his second of the round, Casey posted another three birdies in the last eight holes to move within one of the lead.

Kevin Na of the US scored a four-under 68 to sit alongside compatriot Patrick Reed, Australian Marc Leishman and Canada's Adam Hadwin,

World number one Dustin Johnson, the reigning US Open champion, is hoping to put the disappointment of missing The Masters earlier this year behind him.

The American was forced to pull out of the first major of the 2017 season in April after suffering a back injury just one day before competition was due to begin.

He made a poor start to his title defence today, however, carding a three-over 75 to find himself 10 shots behind leader Fowler.

None of the world's top-six golfers posted an under-par score with Australia's Jason Day hitting two triple bogeys in a seven-over 79.

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Rio 2016 silver medallist Henrik Stenson of Sweden both finished on two over, one adrift of Jordan Spieth of the US.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, the 2011 US Open champion, suffered two double bogeys on his back nine as he carded a six-over 78.

Masters champion Sergio Garcia eagled the first but was unable to build on that and scored two birdies in his last four holes to slip back to two-under.

A pilot was taken to hospital suffering from burns injuries after a commercial blimp crashed during the first day of play.

According to The Times, some witnesses said the pilot, who was named as Trevor Thompson, had parachuted to safety as it fell towards the ground.

However, officials from the company that owns the blimp, AirSign, said that he had not and was pulled from the wreckage with serious injuries before being taken to hospital by helicopter.

“A commercial blimp crashed in an open field approximately half a mile from the Erin Hills course at approximately 11.15am," read a US Golf Association statement.

"First responders were quick to arrive at the scene and the pilot is currently being treated.”

Action is due to continue tomorrow with the competition concluding on Sunday (June 18).