With all eyes on the new Big Three, William McGirt stole the spotlight in the first round, shooting a bogey free, 6-under, 64. McGirt, who claimed his maiden tour title at the Memorial last month goes into round two with a three-shot lead over Emiliano Grillo, Jason Day and Jimmy Walker.
Here’s how the Big Three fared on Day 1.
1. Jason Day (-3/T2)
Jason Day wasn’t at his best in the first round but still managed to make four birdies against the lone bogey on No. 4. The World No. 1, who’s bidding for his fourth title of the season, found only six fairways the whole day but still managed to find 14 greens and ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Approach to the Green.
2. Jordan Spieth (-2/T5)
Jordan Spieth was all over the place yesterday but closed his round with four birdies to shoot 68. The World No. 2 was 2-over through 14 holes, thanks mostly to his putter, ended with a flourish and ranks 3rd in Strokes Gained: Putting. His iron play has been spotty all year and was evident yesterday when he managed to hit only seven greens in regulation.
3. Dustin Johnson (-1/T9)
Dustin Johnson had a fairly quiet round with 15 pars, two birdies and one bogey. Johnson continued his driving form from the US Open and blasted 7 drives over 320 yards. He was as dominating as he was at Oakmont with his driver and ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee.
This is how they ranked against the field in some key stats:
| Day | Spieth | Johnson | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG: Off the Tee | 15 | 14 | 2 |
| SG: Approach to the Green | 2 | 33 | 25 |
| SG: Putting | 30 | 3 | 26 |
| Driving Accuracy | T29 | T29 | T3 |
| Greens in Regulation | 1 | T53 | T11 |
