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Nick Dougherty and Jonathan Lomas finished their US Open debuts a combined 31 over par on Sunday - but insisted it was an enjoyable experience.

Dougherty, a 23-year-old from Liverpool, was playing in the first major of his career and said after a closing 75 for a tournament 15-over: "It's been a very good experience and I've got a taste of what major championship golf is all about.

"The patience required is different to any other tournament. Drop a stroke and you just have to accept it and move on.

"Relish the challenge, is the best way to put it and the key is to enjoy it."

Lomas, who was joint-winner of the first US Open qualifying event to be held outside of the USA, added after he too shot a 75 for a tournament tally of 16-over: "It's a good exam and shows up your faults.

"I'm leaving with a lot of confidence.

"The way I played I feel I could easily have finished top 30.

"It's frustrating when you hit a shot and you know it's going to go in a dodgy place, but you can make birdies here."