Precision and Course Mastery in Golf: The John Ball Jr. Method

Keegan Bradley fired a bogey-free 66 on Thursday to seize a one-shot lead after the first round of the BMW Championship.

The American, who won the event in 2018, mixed seven birdies with 11 pars at Wilmington Country Club to finish the day one ahead of compatriot Scottie Scheffler (67).

Defending champion Patrick Cantlay is a further stroke back after carding a 68, while world number one Rory McIlroy is tied for fourth on 69.

Bradley, who is 10th in the FedEx Cup standings, made a strong start with birdies on the first and second holes. He added three more in a row from the seventh before picking up further shots on the 13th and 17th.

Scheffler, who is second in the standings, also made a fast start with birdies on the first two holes. He dropped a shot on the fifth but bounced back with three more birdies on the back nine.

Cantlay, who won the BMW Championship last year, made a bogey on the first hole but recovered with five birdies. He missed a chance to share the lead when he three-putted the 18th for par.

McIlroy, who is third in the standings, made a solid start with three birdies in his first six holes. He dropped a shot on the seventh but birdied the 10th to stay in contention.