Golf

Rahm at the top of clogged leaderboard at Mexican Open

McDowell shot a one-under-par 70 on the opening day in Puerto Vallarta

Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Photograph: Eduardo Verdugo/AP Photo
Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Photograph: Eduardo Verdugo/AP Photo
Fri Apr 29 2022 - 08:03

World number two Jon Rahm features in a six-way tie for the lead after the opening round of the Mexico Open.

The Spaniard picked up five birdies and a late eagle to jump to the top of the leaderboard with a bogey-free round of 64.

He is joined on seven under by a group of five Americans, including Jonathan Byrd, who birdied six of his first nine holes before slowing down after the turn.

England's Aaron Rai registered a six-under 65 to keep in touch with the leaders, with his highlight being a superb eagle on the par five 14th.

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Fellow Englishman David Skinns was left to rue a double bogey on his penultimate hole as he carded a two-under 69.

Compatriot Matt Wallace is a shot further back, alongside Ireland's Graeme McDowell.

Australia's Minjee Lee shot a bogey-free, eight-under-par 63 on Thursday to take the first-round lead at the Palos Verdes Championship in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. Lee sits one shot in front of South Korea's Jin Young Ko in the inaugural edition of the event at the Palos Verdes Club.

Ireland's Stephanie Meadow is on two over after a 73, Leona Maguire shot a three-over-par 74.