Ye Yang's mixed feelings on missing Tiger Woods

YE Yang made a good start in his quest for a second major title, shooting three-under-par 68, which gave him the early clubhouse lead at a US Open being played without Tiger Woods, who is home nursing an injured knee and Achilles.

Yang's first major, the 2009 US PGA, is also remembered by many as the one Woods lost.

"Half of my heart is disappointed," Yang said. "The other half is probably, I wouldn't say thrilled, but I know my chance is a little bit better because Tiger is not in the field."

When Yang beat Woods at the US PGA, it marked the first time Woods failed to win after taking a lead into the last day of a major. Yang hasn't contended at a Grand Slam tournament since, but said Congressional Country Club fits his game better than most courses.

"I've been playing more conservatively," Yang said. "I'm trying to make more pars, less bogeys and I was lucky to make a few birdies. Overall, the course and my approach has worked to my advantage."

Yang ended up second alongside Masters champions Charl Schwartzel, three behind Rory McIlroy.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson, meanwhile, had to scramble for a bogey on the 18th when his approach tumbled into the lake but was delighted with his one-under 69.

Since tying for third at St Andrews in last year's Open, Stenson has missed the cut in 11 of his last 21 tournaments, including an 80 at the US PGA, an 83 at this year's Masters, and three rounds of 79 during his most recent string of bad golf. "I've gone through some bad times," Stenson said. "But all the big names have done that."

"After being two over on the front, I'd have taken anything close to par," Stenson added.

"I'm still not overly confident, but I stayed patient. I hit a lot of beautiful shots out there. It's only the first day and it's a major championship."