Sunday 27 August 2017 17:32, UK
Dustin Johnson birdied his final hole to get within one stroke of the lead after the opening round of The Northern Trust.
The world No 1 mixed six birdies with a sole blemish in an impressive display at Glen Oaks Club, as Russell Henley posted a six-under 64 to grab the outright advantage.
Scott Brown posted a blemish-free 66 to share third spot with Camilo Villegas, with Louis Oosthuizen and Bubba Watson part of the group three off the pace.
Rory McIlroy struggled to a three-over 73 to sit nine strokes adrift, with FedExCup cup leader Hideki Matsuyama a further shot behind ahead bogeying four of his final six holes.
Johnson cancelled out an early three-putt bogey at the second with a close-range gain at the next and a 15-foot birdie at the sixth, reaching the turn in 34 after missing from six feet at the ninth.
The 33-year-old rolled in a 12-footer at the 10th and added another from half the distance at the 13th, before adding two further birdies over his final three holes.
Henley fired eight birdies and two bogeys on his way to setting the clubhouse target, draining an 18-footer at the final hole to claim the outright advantage.
"I rolled in a couple and it felt pretty easy because I was giving myself some good looks," Henley said. "Just felt comfortable the rest of the day."
PGA Champion Justin Thomas is joined by Jon Rahm and Justin Rose in the group on two under, with Jordan Spieth and Jason Day opening with matching 69s.
Watch The Northern Trust throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Friday from 12.30pm via the red button.
