Jon Rahm shot an eight-under 63 to open up a two-stroke lead after day one of LIV Golf UK in Uttoxeter.
The former world No 1 and two-time major winner is yet to register a victory since swapping the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed circuit ahead of the 2024 season.
Rahm finished tied for seventh at last week’s Open Championship at Royal Troon, ending the tournament on one under par after a three-under 68 in his final round.
The Spaniard subsequently impressed in Staffordshire on Friday with eight birdies and no bogeys leaving him two shots clear of American Andy Ogletree and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer.
Former Open champion Cameron Smith and England’s Tyrrell Hatton are a shot further back on five under, with Hatton firing seven birdies around a double bogey.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka is in a group of seven players at four under.
Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from football, darts, cricket, F1, tennis, golf, rugby league, rugby union and more.
Donald Trump hit out a federal workers working from home for “golfing”, despite spending nearly a third of his presidency playing golf.Trump said all federa
Golf Business News - Under Armour Golf strengthens UK sales force and opens new s
The QHotels Collection, the UK’s largest and premier golf resort owner and operator, has announced a new partnership with The PGA as PGA National To
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inboxGet our free Inside Washington emailGet our free Inside W