Fran Quinn plays like he's been at U.S. Open before (he was, in '90s)

Fran Quinn plays like he’s been at U.S. Open before (he was, in ‘90s)

Fran Quinn hits an approach shot at No. 16 on Thursday during the first round of the U.S. Open.

By Teddy Greenstein and Dan Wiederer

June 12, 2014 7:28 PM PT

Reporting from Pinehurst, N.C. — Fran Quinn has won in Thailand, Saskatchewan, Panama and Idaho.

He has missed cuts in odd locales too. Hey, he’s 49 and he has been at this awhile.

His golf odyssey continued Thursday at Pinehurst No. 2, and he took full advantage by shooting a two-under 68 to share second place at the U.S. Open.

“A dream start,” Quinn called it.

Quinn finished the round in style, sinking a three-foot birdie putt on No. 9 as darkness began to descend on Pinehurst.

“It’s only one round,” he said. “But on the front nine, I played beautiful.”

This is Quinn’s fourth U.S. Open, including a made cut in 1994 that netted him $7,222. A regular on the Web.com Tour, Quinn’s last Open came in 1996 — before his caddie was born.

Son Owen, 15, is on the bag after helping his father qualify by shooting 69-69 to share medalist honors in Purchase, N.Y.

“He did a terrific job,” Quinn said. “He has such a great disposition. He’s positive. He understands the game of golf and he’s an athlete; he knows how to compete.”

Style points

Rickie Fowler was only 10 when Payne Stewart won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Stewart died in an airplane accident four months later, and his championship has been given extra celebration at Pinehurst since.

Fowler did his part to further honor the memory Thursday, donning Stewart’s trademark knickers with argyle socks.

“Payne was one of my all-time favorite players,” Fowler said. “I never had a chance of meeting him, but obviously loved watching him play and loved how he handled himself on and off the golf course.”

Fowler shot an even-par 70. So will the knickers be back on display Friday?

“I think I’m back to pants tomorrow,” he said.

Easy does it

The par-five fifth hole yielded the most birdies with 54 players capitalizing. All five of the day’s eagles also came there.

The hole, which played as a par-four in the 2005 U.S. Open, is listed at 576 yards. But a forward tee box was used Thursday to make the hole play 528 yards, opening the door for players to attack a severely sloping green in two.

Of the 15 players who posted under-par rounds, 10 birdied No. 5. Graeme McDowell and Kevin Na made eagles.

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