England's Alex Fitzpatrick made a stunning start to the US PGA Championship, birdying the first two holes as the tournament got under way in south-west Philadelphia.
Impressive Opening
The 27-year-old was in the leading group to tee off at 6.45am local time (11.45am BST), competing in just his second major, alongside local golf professional Braden Shattuck and the USA's Ben Griffin. He split the fairway with his tee shot at the first before a superb birdie putt from 28 feet got his campaign up and running in style. At the par-four second, he spun his approach shot to within three feet to leave a simple birdie putt and set the early pace.
Recent Form
Fitzpatrick secured a two-year PGA Tour card with victory alongside brother Matt at the Zurich Classic last month, and the pair arrive at Aronimink Golf Club as two of the most in-form players. Alex followed up that victory with ninth at the Cadillac Championship and fourth at last week's Truist Championship, while Ryder Cup regular Matt has three PGA Tour wins under his belt this season.
European Challenge
The pair are among a host of Europeans hoping to break the USA's grip on this major, with the last 10 winners all American. Leading that group is Rory McIlroy, bidding for back-to-back majors after defending his Masters title last month and hoping to become just the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two of the year. The Northern Irishman begins his quest for a seventh major alongside fellow multiple major winners Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth at 8.40am (1.40pm BST).
