On a day when Tiger Woods took another battering, the Swede and the American, both striving for a first major title after several near misses, ended up with a single stroke lead over the rest of the field.
Young American Patrick Reed was solo in second after a 66, with countrymen Matt Kuchar, Ben Martin and amateur Brian Campbell a further stroke back as home golfers dominated the top of the leaderboard.
Among a large group tied on two under with Spieth were Australian Jason Day, Scotland's Marc Warren and American Jason Dufner.
World number one and tournament favourite Rory McIlroy had less to be pleased about as four bogeys on the day meant he had to settle for a two over 72.
But it was the horror show from fallen great Woods that had many fans gasping in surprise as he carded a 10-over 80 - his worst ever US Open showing and the fourth worst of his professional career.
Having taken six months off last year to deal with unspecified "personal issues", the South Carolinian has come close in all four majors, but has fallen agonisingly short of a maiden win.
He had a chance to equal the record low first round score at the US Open with a birdie at the par-three last, but he hit his tee-shot into a tough bunker and failed to get up and down.
Stenson then joined him on 65 with a monster putt at the last in a round that had seven birdies and two bogeys.
"It was a good day out there for me," he said. "I played as solid as I have played all year and rolled in a couple of putts there on the last two holes.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
