Cool Koepka grabs one-shot lead in Shanghai

[October 26, 2017]  (Reuters) - U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka made a strong start to his first hit-out of the new season, shooting an eight-under 64 to grab a one-stroke lead at the $9.75 million WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai on Thursday.

Koepka plundered seven birdies and an eagle, on the par-five 18th, at Sheshan Golf Club to break clear of Malaysia's Gavin Green and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand in joint second.

South Africa's Haydn Porteous and American Patrick Reed were a stroke further behind on six-under, with world number one Dustin Johnson four strokes adrift after shooting 68 in sublime conditions for golf.

"I think I played really well, putted very well," Koepka said after his round.

"I feel like I started really well, drove it really well. Any time you're making putts ... you're going to shoot good."

The American enjoyed a stellar 2016-17 on the U.S. Tour, claiming his maiden major title in June and capping the season with a role in the United States' Presidents Cup victory.

Starting his round at the 10th hole, the 27-year-old rolled in a 21-foot putt for eagle on the 18th before stumbling with a bogey on the par-four third.

He responded brilliantly to the setback, however, landing his next tee shot two feet from the pin for a tap-in birdie.

After another birdie at the par-four seventh gave him a share of the lead, he rolled in a delightful downhill putt from the fringe of the green at the par-five eighth to move clear and held steady with a par on the last.

 

Brooks Koepka tees off on the first hole during the final round singles matches of The President's Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Long-hitting Johnson, chasing his third WGC title of 2017, had a slower start in his season-opener. He notched six birdies but was left cursing his second bogey of the day at the eighth, his penultimate hole.

Johnson finished in a big group on four-under that included Swede Henrik Stenson and Spain's Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Former U.S. Open winner Justin Rose was three off the pace on five-under, along with American Matt Kuchar after the pair opened with 67s.

Former world number one Jason Day shot a 69 to be five behind after enduring a mostly frustrating day on the greens.

Hideki Matsuyama suffered a horror triple bogey seven at the third in a scratchy round of 74 and has plenty of work to do over the next few days if he is to successfully defend his title.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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