Justin Thomas stormed into a commanding lead at the RBC Heritage, equaling the course record with an astonishing 10-under-par 61 in the opening round at Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina.
The 31-year-old American delivered a masterclass performance, making 11 birdies and finishing three shots clear of his nearest rivals.
Thomas, who is chasing his first victory since clinching the US PGA Championship in 2022, leads a trio of challengers, including Russell Henley and world number one Scottie Scheffler.
Former US Open champion Wyndham Clark trails one stroke further back, while England’s Matt Fitzpatrick sits among a group at five under par after an impressive opening 66.
Justin Rose, fresh from his dramatic play-off loss to Rory McIlroy at the Masters, also impressed, carding a 67 to finish tied for 10th.
Thomas’s round was highlighted by a flawless front nine, featuring six birdies. A rare bogey on the 10th did little to disrupt his rhythm, as he bounced back with five birdies in six holes on the back nine.
Reflecting on his record-equalling feat, Thomas remarked, “I feel like I didn’t do anything crazy. I just drove the ball well, which is very, very important out here.”
