Henrik Stenson set for 'a long walk'

Henrik Stenson said for all the talk about Chambers Bay, he noted that one of the toughest challenges of the Washington course is that it is a fitness test.

The 2015 U.S. Open venue is the talking point of the year's second major, with the eight-year-old course's alternating par scores on holes one and 18, fescue grass and links set-up - unfamiliar to the American championship historically - all up for debate.

Stenson said he came on a reconnaissance mission of the course in April, and while he did not play it at the time due to illness, the Swede said walking it was tough enough.

"It's long days out there," the world number six said.

"It's easy to waste a lot of energy early in the week, and... if you're going to be able to keep that patience and keep the head on for the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday when you need it most, the key is always not to burn too much energy early in the week.

"I think I've got a pretty good plan for that and try and stay rested to be focused later on in the week.

"It's probably the toughest walking golf, as well.

"Some of those high elevated tee boxes, and it's quite far between tees and greens, as well.

"It is a long week and a long walk. It's definitely going to be hard on the players out there."

Four of the past five U.S. Opens have gone the way of Europeans, with Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer's wins denying the local contingent.

Stenson said his continental counterparts were inspiring him to break his own major duck, with the 39-year-old claiming he is not far off.

"I think of course we've got some really strong players coming out of Europe," said Stenson, who has finished in the top four in four of the past seven majors.

"You've seen more and more players playing more tournaments over here and living over here.

"That's going to make us feel more at home and more acclimatised at a lot of these events.

"Of course, when your friends are winning major championships and you play practice rounds with them in the past and you beat them every now and again then of course you feel if they can do it I can do it, too.

"I feel like I'm getting closer and closer."

He added: "It's all about giving yourself opportunities and that's the way I look at it, for the next three or four years, whatever I hopefully have, left out here in my prime.

"And if I can come in well prepared and have a good plan and put myself in the mix on a few occasions then I find some chances to walk away with at least one."

Stenson is paired with Francesco Molinari and Brandt Snedeker, the trio set to tee off at 08:17 local time (15:17 GMT).