Lomas - enjoyed tough examination. (Getty Images)

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

Dougherty, the 23-year-old Liverpudlian, was playing the first major of his career and said after a closing 75 for 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 they key is to enjoy it."

Lomas, who was joint-winner of the first qualifying event to be held in Europe, added after he too shot 75 for 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."