Major champions Graeme McDowell and Pádraig Harrington start poorly at the US Open, with both players blown off course early in the competition, according to Irish and Belfast reports. The coverage describes difficult early conditions and challenges that affect their momentum in the opening stages of play. The accounts indicate neither player is able to settle quickly, leading to an early setback as other competitors establish stronger positions. While the articles focus on the early rounds and the disappointment for the former major winners, they do not suggest any rule issues or other off-course factors. Instead, they attribute the trouble primarily to performance and the course demands faced during the start of the tournament. The reports also imply the remainder of the event will require improved play if either golfer is to recover and contend as the US Open progresses. Overall, both sources present the same theme: high-profile names begin the US Open with significant difficulties and are forced to respond to an early deficit.