England's Alex Fitzpatrick made a strong start to the US PGA Championship, holing a birdie putt from 28 feet on the first hole at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old, playing in only his second major, was in the opening group alongside local professional Braden Shattuck and American Ben Griffin.
Fitzpatrick secured a two-year PGA Tour card last month by winning the Zurich Classic with his brother Matt, and the pair arrive as two of the most in-form players. Alex followed that victory with a ninth-place finish at the Cadillac Championship and a fourth-place finish at last week's Truist Championship. Meanwhile, Ryder Cup regular Matt has three PGA Tour wins this season.
The Fitzpatricks are among a host of Europeans aiming to end the USA's stranglehold on this major, with the last 10 winners all American. Leading the charge is Rory McIlroy, who is bidding for back-to-back majors after successfully defending his Masters title last month. McIlroy, seeking his seventh major, tees off at 1.40pm BST alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth.
