Adam Scott was the only Australian to hold on on moving day, but the former world No.1 remains three for the championship and eight strokes behind after posting an even 73 average.

Scott had five birdies, but also had five bogies to share 37th place late in the day in the third major of the year in San Diego.

Wade Ormsby got off to a promising start with two birdies in his first three holes, but passed out to make a 73 and be four ahead and nine behind American leader Russell Henley.

Marc Leishman was still two behind after a round of 75 that started with a double bogey six on the 1st hole and never really improved.

Matt Jones was the best Aussie at the start of the round but was the worst performer of the day.

Jones racked up seven bogies in his first 14 holes to drop to eight.

Some of the biggest names in the game were the biggest drivers on Saturday.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau was three under on 13 holes and just two strokes ahead, tied for third with world number 3 Jon Rahm.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy was three under on 15 holes to be tied for fifth and just three strokes behind Henley.

World number one Dustin Johnson was safe in the clubhouse one under and four behind the leader after signing for a 68.

Two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka was also an under par with four holes to play, as was 2020 US PGA Championship winner Collin Morikawa with five holes remaining in his round.

Henley hadn’t reached the turn but had a one-shot advantage over compatriot Matthew Wolff and Englishman Richard Bland.

– Darren Walton, Australian Associated Press