Dustin Johnson claims lead at US PGA Championship

Dustin Johnson of the United States salutes the crowd on the 15th green during the first round of the 144th Open Championship at The Old Course on July 16, 2015
© Getty Images
Dustin Johnson takes a one-stroke lead on day one of the US PGA Championship, while Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth both make promising starts in difficult conditions.

Dustin Johnson has made another impressive start to a Major after taking a one-shot lead on the first day of the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

The American, who was on the brink of victory at the US Open earlier this year before a three-putt on the final hole ruined his chances, capitalised on the favourable conditions in the morning to set the pace with a six-under-par 66.

Johnson has bad memories of the course after a two-stroke penalty prevented him from earning a spot in a playoff when Martin Kayme triumphed back in 2010, but the world number eight was on top of his game to take the lead ahead of David Lingmerth, who briefly shared the lead in his round.

Matt Kuchar and Jason Day are among the players currently two shots behind the leader, while there were also positive starts for Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.

Despite often being troubled as the wind picked up later in the day, McIlroy, who is playing in his first tournament since rupturing ankle ligaments last month, showed his resilience on the opening day to reach the clubhouse on one-under and he was matched by playing partner Spieth.

Justin Rose made a promising start to his bid with a solid round of three-under, but it was a disappointing day for Tiger Woods as the 14-time Major winner carded five bogeys to finish the day nine shots off the pace.

Dustin Johnson of the US tees off at the 12th hole before finishing in the lead on day two of the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament at the Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club on November 1, 2013
Read Next:
Johnson, Stenson share US Open lead
>