It wasn’t supposed to be that way Thursday at the PGA Championship.
Jimmy Walker has struggled for most of this season, he missed the cut in the first two majors and barely snuck into the top 30 at the Open Championship.
Dustin Johnson came in as an overwhelming favorite, he has played superb since winning the U.S. Open, yes, he was the guy to beat.
Yet during the opening round at Baltusrol, it was Walker who went out early and fashioned a five-under par 65 to stand alone at the top of this star-studded final major of the season. “I just kept the ball in the fairway and made some putts. The rough is tough here. Just tried to hit quality shots, I’m a good player from the rough so I didn’t worry about it. All-in-all, a great day,” Walker said after his work was done.
Late in the day, Johnson staggered home, many in disbelief at the 77 he put on the board. A 77 that may have doomed him to an early departure from the championship.
Of the world’s best players, Henrik Stenson put himself right in the thick of it. He played in the tougher conditions — the late afternoon when there was more wind and the greens were less receptive than they were earlier in the day. Stenson’s 67 was a superb effort, although he admitted he hasn’t got complete feel for the greens yet.
“I’m very happy with the long game, a solid round,” said the Champion Golfer of the Year, who has a chance to close his season with back-to-back majors. “Couldn’t ask for anything more than this,” Stenson added.
Defending champion Jason Day put his name in the running. He shot 68 early, just three off Walker’s lead.
Jordan Spieth overcame a poor start with a late run that got him back to even par and saved him from the list of underachieving name players.
Johnson headed that list, Rory McIlroy was on it, he shot 74.
Phil Mickelson got himself in trouble early, fell as far as four-over par but worked his way back to shoot 71.
Walker wasn’t the only surprise name in contention.
Emiliano Grillo, Ross Fisher and Martin Kaymer shot 66s.
Harris English, James Hahn and Andy Sullivan were in the shadow of Stenson at 67.
