Play was twice halted amid torrential downpours before it was officially suspended for the day at around 4:30pm local time as only nine golfers were able to complete their full round of 18 holes.

Landry. the world number 624, ended the day on three-under-par through 17, one shot in front of two-time Masters winner and compatriot Bubba Watson.

A group of four players, featuring former world number one Lee Westwood of England and American Scottie Scheffler, who is the current clubhouse leader, are a shot further back on one-under.

Predictions about the tough course bore fruit for some of the world's top players, with Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and defending champion Jordan Spieth of the United States both enduring difficult opening days.

McIlroy, a US Open winner in 2011, struggled throughout and was three-over-par through 12 holes when the lingering threat of further thunderstorms forced organisers to call off play.

Spieth, who will be hoping to recapture his form following his Masters meltdown at Augusta National in April, is two shots ahead of McIlroy.

The American, whose group began their respective rounds from the 10th, birdied the 12th but then bogeyed the 14th as he finished one-over after 11 holes.

Westwood, another player who started on the 10th, had bogeyed the first and second before birdying the fifth to end on a high before play was postponed.

Masters champion Danny Willett also endured a tricky time out on the Oakmont course, finishing four-over through 12 holes.

Among those who weren't able to get their US Open campaigns underway were world number one Jason Day, six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson and England's Justin Rose.

The first round is now set to conclude tomorrow.