Woodland leading PGA Championship, Woods trails by 6 after even-par start

ST. LOUIS — Kansas-bred Gary Woodland felt right at home in enemy territory and delivered his best performance in a major Thursday at the PGA Championship.

Woodland used his power to birdie the two par 5s on the soft turf of Bellerive, and he relied on a new grip and new confidence in his putter for everything else on his way to a 6-under 64 for a one-shot lead over Rickie Fowler in the opening round of the year’s final major.

Bellerive allowed for low scoring, provided the ball stayed in the short grass. Woodland had an 18-foot birdie attempt on the 18th hole that would have tied the PGA Championship record, and it stopped just short. It was one of the few he missed.

Fowler made five birdies over his last 11 holes for a 65. It was an important start for Fowler, who turns 30 this year and is among the best players without a major.

Two-time major champion Zach Johnson and Brandon Stone of South Africa were at 66. Dustin Johnson reached 5 under until a few wild drives on the back nine cost him. The world’s No. 1 player had to settle for a 67, along with Jason Day and Justin Rose.

It was more of a struggle for Tiger Woods, who was 3 over through seven holes, and then clawed his way back to even par for a 70. Defending champion Justin Thomas shot 69. Jordan Spieth, in his second crack at the career Grand Slam, opened with a 71.

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, the lone Canadian, also had a 71 to sit tied for 62nd.