Sweden's Robert Karlsson made the early running at Oakland Hills today as the first round got under way at the 90th US PGA Championship.
Karlsson, a top-10 finisher in each of the first three majors of 2008, bounced back from an opening double bogey at the par-four first hole to birdie five of the next seven holes and move to three-under par — completing his front nine in 32.
Karlsson is one of a strong and much-hyped European contingent at Oakland Hills bidding to break a winless streak dating back to Tommy Armour of Scotland in 1930.
Hopes that the 78-year drought can end this weekend have been boosted by the fact the par-70, 7,395-yard course near Detroit played host to Europe's 18.5-9.5 victory over the United States in the 2004 Ryder Cup.
Eight of the team who won in formidable style four years ago have returned to Oakland Hills — with those already out on the course making a shaky start on a cool, clear and sunny morning.
England's Paul Casey opened with a par at the 10th hole but double bogeyed the par-four 11th hole before getting back to one over par with a birdie at the 14th.
Also starting at the 10th tee was Lee Westwood, who tied for second at last weekend's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational but was two over par after four holes.
Westwood bogeyed the par-four 10th and the 191-yard 13th, the shortest of the four par-three holes on the course.
With defending champion Tiger Woods unable to bid for a third consecutive US PGA victory following season-ending knee surgery, the tournament is viewed as wide open with world number two and 2005 champion Phil Mickelson the bookmakers' 10-1 favourite.
