Low-profile PaddyRather than opt for marquee names as his practice partners this week, Padraig Harrington has chosen some relatively unknown companions while getting to know the course at Shinnecock Hills. On Monday evening, he played nine holes with two qualifiers, Robert Garriqus, who plays on the Nationwide Tour, and Tripp Isenhour, a 36-year-old journeyman pro in his third season on the US Tour.

Yesterday, he played 18 holes with Stephen Sokol, an American who plays most of his golf on the Challenge Tour in Europe. Sokol's making his US Open debut after getting through qualifying at the fifth attempt.

The starting field of 156 players will be cut to the low 60 scorers and ties after the second round and/or any player within 10 strokes of the leader . . . in the event of a tie, an 18-hole play-off will be held on Monday.

Jet or Giant?

One of the perks that resulted from Ben Curtis' unlikely win in last year's British Open was an agreement with sports clothing company Reebok to wear the colour and logo of a nearby NFL American Football team at every tournament. He has the choice or picking either the New York Giants or the New York Jets during this week's US Open.

Head to Head

Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke's US Open performances over the last 10 years.

Romero's handicap

A month away from his 50th birthday Eduardo Romero thought he had seen everything in golf. But he was wrong.

The popular Argentinian, competing this week at the US Open, found himself playing with a 52-handicapper in a recent European Tour pro-am. He did not know such a person existed.

"When I looked on the scorecard and saw 52 I thought it was a mistake and it should have been 25. But on the first tee he took an iron out and did not make it to the ladies' tee.

"His next shot went only a few yards as well and then he hit it way right. I asked him about his handicap and when he confirmed it was 52 I knew it was going to be a long day."