Overnight rain softens Oakmont for US Open start

Ernie Els, of South Africa, watches his tee shot on the seventh hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts to his putt on the thrid hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

Bubba Watson reacts to his missed putt on the third hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

The latest from the U.S. Open golf championship (all times local):

7:55 a.m.

More than an inch of rain that fell overnight washed away a little of the trepidation at Oakmont.

The U.S. Open began on a course that was softer than it has been all week as players feared no one would break par by the end of the week. Aron Price of Australia was in the first group and rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt on the opening hole.

More telling was Denny McCarthy. His approach on No. 1 stopped short of the green. That's rare because the fairway is downhill to a super slick green that runs away from the player.

Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy were among those playing in the morning.

More thunderstorms were in the forecast for the afternoon.