ST LOUIS, Missouri: American Rickie Fowler saw his clubhouse lead trimmed but remained atop the leaderboard late in Thursday's opening round of the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club.
Fowler matched the best major round of his career with a five-under par 65 to seize the lead, but a handful of afternoon starters are challenging him for the top spot.
South African Brandon Stone, winner of last month's Scottish Open on the European Tour, fired a four-under 66 to stand second in the clubhouse, ahead of a pack of seven players who are two strokes off Fowler's pace.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat had a terrible day, and will require a strong showing in Friday night's second round just to qualify for the weekend.
The only Thai in the tournament, Kiradech shot 75, or five over par, and finished the day tied for 137h place, close to the bottom of the 156 players.