A round of 83 on Friday at The Open Championship had people scratching their heads about Louis Oosthuizen’s form, but this Thursday at the PGA Championship he put the doubts to bed with a two-under-par 68.
Compleat Golfer’s Playing Editor bogeyed two of his first three holes at Baltusrol Golf Club, but fought back with birdies at the sixth and ninth to turn in level-par.
He navigated the two par-five closing holes in style to finish birdie, birdie and signed for a share of ninth place after the first round. He was joined on two-under-par by 11 others, including Jason Day and Rickie Fowler.
America’s Jimmy Walker led with a five-under-par 65, followed into the clubhouse by Emiliano Grillo, Ross Fisher, and Martin Kaymer, who all shared second place on four-under.
Branden Grace played regulation golf on all but two holes in his round. The world number 12 bogeyed the 13th, birdied the 15th, and made 16 pars to sign for 70 and joined a 19-way tie for 36th place that included Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, and Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston.
George Coetzee and Johan Kok were tied for 81st place after each carding 72 on Thursday, followed into the clubhouse by Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel, who were both three-over.
Brandon Stone struggled to a nine-over-par 79, but his maiden trip to the season’s final major is a learning experience, not a chance to win the Wanamaker Trophy.
