Brooks has destiny on side in Shanghai

US Open champion Brooks Koepka felt destiny was on his side after firing an eventful 64 to lead the World Golf Championships in Shanghai.

Koepka carded seven birdies, an eagle and a solitary bogey at Sheshan International to finish eight under par, a shot ahead of Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Malaysia’s Gavin Green.

American Ryder Cup star Patrick Reed and South Africa’s Haydn Porteous were two shots off the pace on six under, with Olympic champion Justin Rose and Ireland’s Paul Dunne part of a five-strong group on five under. Little known Matthew Griffin led the Australian charge at four under, with Jason Day a shot further back after a three-under 69.

In form Marc Leishman was one-under along with compatriots Scott Hend and Ryan Fox. Adam Scott was even with the card.

Koepka began his round on the back nine and birdied the 14th, 16th and 17th before holing from 20 feet for eagle on the par-five 18th to reach the turn in 31.

The 27-year-old also birdied the first before three-putting the third, but bounced back to pick up shots on the fourth, seventh and eighth, the latter coming in unlikely fashion.

“It was an interesting hole to say the least,” Koepka told reporters after his round.

Green, who won the Taiwan Masters on the Asian Tour at the start of the month, carded seven birdies.