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Former champion Day, who had top-10 finishes in
each of his last three starts on the PGA Tour, carded a
bogey-free five-under-par 65 at TPC Harding Park, where the
absence of spectators due to the virus gave the event a unique
feel.
"There was definitely a lot of momentum coming in off the
previous finishes that I've had, three top 10s, which has been
nice," the Australian said after the lowest first-round score of
his major championship career.
"The game feels like it's coming around. I'm pleased with it."
Going out in the windy afternoon, Todd mixed seven birdies with
two bogeys and sank a 10-foot par putt on his last hole.
"It really helps me going into tomorrow," he said of making the
final putt.
"It allows me to spend the next 12 hours before my second round
feeling really good, like I've got momentum still."
Koepka, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, former world number one
Martin Kaymer and Zach Johnson were among a group of nine one
shot off the pace in the first major championship since the July
2019 British Open.
IN THE RED
Woods, in only his second PGA Tour event since February,
struggled off the tee but, thanks to a longer putter that has
allowed him to practice more without back pain, was three shots
back after a 68 that included five birdies and three bogeys.
"I thought anything today in the red would be good given the
forecast ... I was able to do it but I didn't think there would
be that many guys four under or better," Woods said after his
lowest opening round score in a major championship since 2012.
Four-times major champion Koepka, who fell short of a third
consecutive U.S. Open title last year, said he was very relaxed
during a round in which he made six birdies and two bogeys.
"The majors almost seem like an easier week for me, nine holes
pretty much every day in the practice rounds and try to stay off
my feet and not do too much," said Koepka. "I think sometimes
guys ... practice a little too much."
Jordan Spieth, in his latest bid to become the sixth person to
complete golf's career Grand Slam with victories in all four
major championships, opened with a three-over-par 73.
World number one Justin Thomas (71) and Northern Ireland's Rory
McIlroy (70) both struggled in their group with Woods.
Thomas had two double bogeys after making the turn but managed a
10-foot birdie putt on his last while McIlroy stumbled early
with three consecutive bogeys and finished at even par.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Additional reporting by Frank Pingue,
editing by Pritha Sarkar/Peter Rutherford)
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