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Dustin Johnson has set the early pace after the opening round of the US PGA Championship, ending the day with a 66 for six under par.
The American, who was given a two-stroke penalty when he was closing in on the Whistling Straits victory five years ago, is attempting to win another major, having led after two rounds of last month’s Open and being close until late on at the US Open.
Johnson made the most of his early start where the breezy conditions deteriorated throughout the day.
“Today was pretty easy, I would have to say,” said Johnson. “I was swinging well and I was hitting the shots where I was looking and I really felt like I was just super patient, stayed focused all day.
“I really felt like I had my ball under control a lot like I did at the US Open.”
Speaking about the course, Johnson added; “It’s a golf course I like and I played well here in 2010, so I was excited to come back.”
Elsewhere, fellow American Tiger Woods began with a 75, leaving him three over par.
The 14 major title winner made five bogeys to drop to nine points behind the early leader.
Worse still for the 39 year old, who is now ranked 278 in the world, he has missed the cut at the last two majors, and he’ll be hoping to avoid a third in succession.
“I hit it great today, but I made actually nothing,” said Woods. “Probably one of the worst putting rounds I’ve had in a very long time.
“But I hit it good today, so that’s about it. I just had no feel at all for the speed (on the greens). It was awful.”
Justin Rose and James Morrison both carded a 69, ending the day three under par, whilst fellow Englishman Paul Casey on two under.
Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth and Open champion Zach Johnson didn’t tee off until later, facing US PGA champion Rory McIlroy in the same group.
