Darren Clarke could rue the timing of the horn to end play on day one of the USPGA but was delighted with his overall showing.
Northern Irishman on course to be in contention after round one
Darren Clarke may be left to rue the timing of the horn to end play on day one of the USPGA but the Northern Irishman was delighted with his overall performance.
Clarke was left on three-under par when the golfers were brought off at Whistling Straits due to darkness after the first round had started late because of fog.
The 42-year-old is currently only one shot off the lead but faces a 30-foot putt for par on the 14th hole when play resumes on day two.
He had earlier hit three straight birdies starting on the par-four ninth to close in on clubhouse leaders Bubba Watson and Francesco Molinari.
"The only hole I played badly was that last one there in the dark, the 14th," Clarke said.
Good
"I have a 30 footer for par in the morning. That's a big (task) to hole but overall it was pretty good."
He added: "I just played nicely all day. I didn't get myself into world of pain off the tee."
The last time the USPGA Championship was held at Whistling Straits, in 2004, Clarke shot a 65 to surge into the lead after the first round.
"It is always nice to come back to (place) where you have played well before," he said.
"It's (the course) is a lot different than back then as it is softer and the greens are holding. It wasn't quite that way last time we were here."
