Trio share World Challenge lead
Zach Johnson, Paul Casey and Jimmy Walker all fired six-under-par 66s to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
World number one Jordan Spieth sits one stroke behind and in a tie for fourth with Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, Bill Haas and Brooks Koepka who all carded five-under-par 67s.
Despite suffering a cut on the heel of his right foot while removing his swimming fins on Wednesday, world number eight Dustin Johnson managed to register a four-under-par 68, leaving him just two strokes adrift of the leaders.
Reining Open champion Zach Johnson got off to a slow start after taking the turn in level par, but the shifted his game to the next gear on the back nine as he started with consecutive birdies at the 10th and 11th before proceeding to make a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th to 17th.
Johnson had been penalised on the third hole for marking his ball off the green, but the penalty was rescinded later on as it was unclear where the putting surfaces ended on numerous greens.
Casey enjoyed a blemish-free round as he made two birdies on the front nine before and four more on the back nine, including a crucial one on the 18th, which brought him level with Johnson and Walker.
Walker had a mixed front nine which included two birdies and two bogeys, but worked his way back into contention and a share of the lead with six birdies on the back nine, four of which came in a row from the 14th to 17th.
Spieth meanwhile started his round superbly as he made a hole-in-one on the second hole before the reigning Masters and U.S. Open champion registered three birdies to round off an excellent round.
Latest
-
NewsTiger Woods taking things ‘one step at a time’ as he recovers after car accident
The American suffered major injuries following a crash in Los Angeles.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson recognises consistency is key as he chases Ryder Cup place
The oldest major champion in golf’s history moved up to 16th in his country’s rankings with his win at the US PGA Championship last week.
-
NewsPGA boss apologises to Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka for unruly fans
Mickelson’s extraordinary victory made the 50-year-old the oldest major champion in history.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson to ‘put everything’ into completing career grand slam at US Open
The 50-year-old is aiming to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to have won all four majors.
-
Dave Tindall10 things to know about 300/1 Phil Mickelson’s record-breaking PGA Championship win
A look at some of the incredible stats and facts from Phil Mickelson’s stunning victory over Father Time at Kiawah Island.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson holds nerve for memorable triumph at US PGA Championship
The American carded a closing 73 amid euphoric and somewhat chaotic scenes on the 18th hole.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson: I will cherish forever winning US PGA Championship
The 50-year-old snatched victory 16 years after lifting the Wanamaker Trophy for the first time.
-
NewsStill nifty at fifty – Phil Mickelson becomes oldest winner in major history
Mickelson surpassed Julius Boros’ mark and became the first 50-year-old to win a major.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson becomes oldest major winner with US PGA Championship success
Mickelson is the first 50-year-old to win a major.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson keeps his nose in front in wild final round
Mickelson and Brooks Koepka traded blows as the momentum swung back and fourth in the US PGA Championship.