Corey Conners takes 2-stroke lead after opening round at PGA Championship

The Canadian golfer Corey Conners smashed a fearless 5-under 67 in the first round to take a 2-stroke lead at the PGA Championship on Thursday.

Conners became the first Canadian to lead a round in a major tournament since Mike Weir did it in the 2009 US Open, thanks to his strong play on day one at the Kiawah Island, South California.

The 29-year-old Conners hit six birdies against one bogey in his impressive first round at the PGA Tour $11,000,000 prize money event.

“I’d say it’s impossible to be stress-free around this golf course,’’ Conners said. “You can’t fall asleep out there on any holes. It’s very challenging. I was fortunate to have a good day and made it as least stressful as possible on myself.

“It was a really special round. I did a lot of things well. I hit a lot of really good shots and holed some nice putts early in the round, and that really helped boost the confidence.’’

Defending champion Collin Morikawa, alongwith Phil Mickelson, Cameron Tringale, Martin Laird, Gary Woodland, Branden Grace, and Kevin Streelman, are among the players at 2-under.