Johnson claims first round lead just as he did in US Open and The Open

Dustin Johnson fired an opening round of 66 to take an early one-shot lead at the US PGA Championship.

The American carded five birdies, an eagle and a bogey to finish day one on six-under and exact some degree of revenge on the Whistling Straits layout.

Johnson looked all set to take part in a play-off when the event was played at the Wisconsin course back in 2010, only to be handed a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the final hole.

The 31-year-old has since experienced more heartache, most recently missing a putt at the 72nd hole of this year’s US Open to again miss out on a play-off, while he also led after two rounds of last month’s Open Championship.

However, he has made a strong start to the final major of the year and admits he was pleased with the way he played on Thursday.

“Today was pretty easy, I would have to say,” said Johnson. “I was swinging well and I was hitting the shots where I was looking and I really felt like I was just super patient, stayed focused all day.”

Sweden’s Daniel Lingmerth is Johnson’s nearest rival on five-under after a 67, while both Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy fired opening 71s after the wind had kicked up in the afternoon.

It was another tricky day for Tigers Woods, with his three-over 75 meaning he faces a tough task to make the cut.

Tagged Dustin Johnson, US PGA Championship, Whistling Straits