Defending champion Brooks Koepka is four shots off the lead after the first round of the US Open at Pebble Beach and felt he made a solid start to the tournament.

The American is bidding to become the second man to win three US Open titles in a row and he made four birdies in his first six holes.

The 29-year-old managed just one further birdie, however, and ended up with a two-under 69, four shots behind leader Justin Rose. Koepka was happy with his putting and feels he is well placed to challenge for the top prize.

“I felt the most comfortable on the greens this week of all the majors we’ve played so far,” he said.

“I feel like I’m putting great and the greens held up really well.”

Rickie Fowler is one of a group of four players one shot off the pace on -5 as he seeks a maiden major title, but the American insists he isn’t feeling under any additional pressure to secure one of golf’s biggest prizes.

He said: “I said earlier in the week that whether I win a major or I don’t in my career, it’s not something that’s going to define me.”

Koepka is 9.00 to win the US Open outright, Rose is 7.00 and Fowler can be backed at 10.00.