U.S. Open champ DeChambeau opens with 62 to lead Shriners

Bryson DeChambeau flexed his muscles as the U.S. Open champion seized a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.

DeChambeau – playing for the first time since breaking through for his maiden major last month – carded a bogey-free nine-under-par 62 on Thursday – the lowest opening round of his career.

The American star and 2018 Shriners Hospital for Children Open winner, who is already eyeing next month's rescheduled Masters, was flawless as he holed nine birdies at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

Starting on the back nine, DeChambeau reeled off five successive birdies – starting on 15 – before closing out the round by birdieing the last.

Par 4. 381 yards. @B_DeChambeau has that club in the bag. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/boclB5q0rn

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 8, 2020

"That's the advantage of power in this game now, that you can do those sorts of things ... I didn't make any of them, but it makes it easy. That's five birdies right there and it makes the golf course a lot easier," DeChambeau said afterwards, discussing his eagle chances.

"I would say that lowers the par to 67 out here, and that's just the number for me. If I shoot 69 or 70 I feel like I shot a couple over."

A strong finish to a strong @ShrinersOpen start. @B_DeChambeau ends the day with another two-putt birdie. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/U1pBMQcWZh

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 8, 2020

Fellow Americans Patrick Cantlay – the 2017 winner – Austin Cook, Harold Varner III, Scott Harrington and Nate Lashley are a shot off the pace heading into Friday's second round.

There are six players tied for seventh at seven under through 17 holes, while defending champion Kevin Na is four shots off the pace alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia.

Rickie Fowler ended the day tied for 32nd and five strokes behind DeChambeau.