Shane Lowry is about to go out with Kevin Stadler and Brendon de Jonge in the US Open at Pinehurst No 2. But it will come as a surprise to no-one who saw what Lowry described as a "cheeky" USGA 'heavyweight' pairing that he's more than a little peeved.

Writing in his weekly column in The Irish Times, Lowry accused the USGA of "making a mockery of the three of us" and just hopes they don't get abuse from the galleries.

"To be honest, I am also annoyed about something. I don’t mind saying it, but I think it is a bit cheeky of the USGA in making the draw the way they did. I’m with Brendon de Jonge and Kevin Stadler for the first two rounds. Someone’s bright idea!! Put the three big guys together!! I think it is unfair on the three of us. It is definitely not drawn out of the hat, that’s for sure. And I just hope we don’t get stick from the galleries. What they did is making a mockery of the three of us. I spoke to Graeme McDowell, and he thinks I should say something to the USGA about it."

Graeme McDowell shares the early lead with Kevin Na on two under after a 68 with Rory McIlroy tied 25th after a 71.