World number four Rickie Fowler enjoys strong opening round in Phoenix

05 February 2016 01:53

World number four Rickie Fowler is in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona.

Fowler posted an impressive 65 and is joined on six-under by Ireland's Shane Lowry and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.

Starting on the back nine, Fowler struck six birdies and an eagle, but was hurt by two bogies on the 16th and 18th.

Lowry carded eight birdies in his 65, but hit back-to-back fives at five and six, while Matsuyama also registered eight one-unders and two bogies.

Anirbahn Lahiri and Bryce Molder are a shot further back on five-under. Molder was unable to complete his round as bad light brought an end to play with him having completed 16 holes.

England's Greg Owen is the highest-placed European after a 67 while Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson are further back on two-under.

USA's Bradley Keegan would have been in tied-fourth on five-under, but he was hit with a two-stroke penalty after taking to the course with 15 clubs instead of the permitted 14.

Source: PA