Defending champion Jason Day believes his lack of preparation for the US PGA Championship could prove a blessing in disguise after an encouraging opening 68.
Day only managed one practice round at Baltusrol after catching a bug from his son Dash and then spending Tuesday night in hospital after his wife suffered an allergic reaction.
The world number one admitted he was ''running on empty'' after defending his Canadian Open title immediately after finishing 22nd in the Open at Troon, but there were few signs of that as he carded three birdies and a solitary bogey on Thursday.
"I drove it very nicely and hit a lot of good iron shots," the 28-year-old Australian said. "I just didn't capitalise on the opportunities that I had out there but for the most part I feel pretty good about where my head is at and looking forward to the next three days.
"By Thursday, if you practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday you could be pretty tired with how hot it was. It was in the mid to high 90s and you can get pretty drained pretty quickly. I'm glad I took Monday, Tuesday off, even though I'm a little bit under the weather.
"It was kind of a blessing really to come out yesterday, play 18 holes real quick and then get out of here."
Day could lose his position at the top of the world rankings if he finishes lower than 28th and US Open champion Dustin Johnson is better than outright second, but added: "I know that the only way to stay at number one is to win tournaments, finish well in big tournaments.
"If I can keep focusing on the process, all the hard work that I've done before to get to this point, that's where I need to keep my focus at. I've always said that winning takes care of everything."
Source: PA
