By Mark Garrod, PA Sport Golf Correspondent, Long Island

The 16-year-old who on Thursday becomes the second youngest player in US Open history is waiting for the butterflies to start their flapping.

"It's not hit me that I'm playing in probably the biggest golf tournament in the world," said Colorado kid Derek Tolan, who came through a qualifying play-off last week by chipping in.

"I've been striving towards some of the big junior tournaments and all of a sudden I'm playing in the US Open.

"I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable. I'm not nervous - yet, at least. We'll just see what happens.

"It just amazes me how tough the course is. Last year it would basically be unplayable for me because I wouldn't have been able to reach a couple of the fairways.

"The greens are faster than anything I've ever played. I put a ball down on one of them, talked to my caddie and looked back to see the ball was 30 feet away.

"A lot of people have asked me to get Tiger's autograph, Mickelson's, Duval's. But when they get in the locker room they just want to relax and chill out.

"You've got to respect that, so that's one thing I will not be able to bring back for those guys."

The one younger player to appear in the event was a 14-year-old back in 1941.