Stricker in record breaking form
AMERICA’S Steve Stricker equalled the lowest round in Major history with a magnificent 63 to take the lead on day one of the 93rd US PGA in Atlanta.
But it was a day of toil for several other leading contenders with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy braving a wrist injury which looked as though it could end his involvement prematurely at one stage.
The reigning US Open champion eventually carded a solid 69, which was put in context by the travails of Tiger Woods who, on his second competitive outing since surgery, was livid after finishing the day seven over par.
“I’m not down, I’m really angry,” he said after his first Major round since finishing fourth at The Masters in April. “There are a lot of words I could use beyond that.”
It was a different story for Stricker who sits two shots clear of Jerry Kelly after carding seven birdies in a bogey-free round.
“I didn’t know what to expect and maybe that was a good thing,” said Stricker who missed a 10 foot birdie putt on the last.
“I realised it was for 62 but didn’t realise it was for history. It never really registered. I was just trying to make a birdie and never thought about the history of it.”