Dustin Johnson takes early one-shot lead at Memorial, Rory McIlroy seven behind

Dustin Johnson takes a one-shot lead at the Memorial Tournament after firing 10 birdies in a first-round eight-under-par 64 in Ohio.

Dustin Johnson has a one-shot lead at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio after a carding an eight-under-par 64 in the first round on Thursday.

Dustin Johnson hits his second shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the Memorial Tournament on June 2, 2016© Getty Images

The 31-year-old American shot 10 birdies, four of which came consecutively on the back nine, and suffered just two bogeys on the course.

Brendan Steele is the closest challenger on seven-under-par after shooting 65, including an eagle on the 18th hole, while world number one Jason Day is two shots off the pace.

Rory McIlroy carded six birdies, but he dropped a shot on the fourth, seventh and 10th holes before suffering a double bogey on the 16th to leave him seven strokes behind.

Jordan Spieth, who is ranked second in the world, finished the day with a two-under-par 70.

A hench Rory McIlroy in action during the first round of The Masters on April 7, 2016
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