Favourable pin locations and a morning mist that softened the course led to ideal scoring conditions, and a resurgent Fowler took full advantage, making 10 birdies in his opening round after failing to qualify for the past two U.S Opens.

"I knew it was close, but I didn't know the exact number," Fowler said when asked if he knew the history within his grasp.

"I was just trying to keep moving forward, and I made a lot of good swings."

Fowler's most impressive swing may have come after his tee shot on the par-5 8th landed in the barranca. He kept his cool, and his sensational second shot got him up on the fairway, and he made an unlikely birdie.

Not to be outdone, fellow Southern California native Schauffele went bogey-free to match his fellow statesman.

"I was looking at Rickie, and I thought if he can do it, why can't I?" Schauffele said.

Not long after Fowler was in the clubhouse, Schauffele matched the new tournament record score. PHOTO: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler was another of the players out early and was part of a group of players in the clubhouse at three-under-par.

The 123rd Open got underway against the backdrop of the bombshell announcement of a partnership between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Saudi backers of the LIV circuit.