Johnson in share of Canadian Open lead; Day three back

Saturday, 23 July 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: World number two Dustin Johnson eagled the final hole to earn a share of the lead with fellow American Luke List after the first round at the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday.

Johnson sank a 12-foot putt at the par-five 18th to cap a roller-coaster afternoon round that also included seven birdies, a bogey and double-bogey at sun-baked Glen Abbey Golf Club outside Toronto.

“I drove it in the fairway a bunch. That was definitely very helpful,” the U.S. Open champion told Golf Channel after signing for a six-under-par 66 and a one-shot lead.

“Conditions were tough. The wind was blowing pretty hard and I felt like I played pretty well. I just made one bad swing, on 14 (into the creek). Other than that I thought I played really nicely all day long.”

Defending champion Jason Day was also rewarded for his aggressive approach with a 69.

Day used his driver liberally and collected four birdies, along with a chip-in eagle.

After finishing a disappointing 22nd at the British Open on Sunday, Day spoke of how he was looking forward to returning to hot and dry North American weather. So far he has not been disappointed.

“With how dry everything is, it’s almost better to get up there around the green with a wedge in your hand,” the Australian world number one told PGATour.com, explaining his aggressive mindset.