Justin Thomas matched the course record with a score of 10-under-par 61 to take a three-shot lead after the first round of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.

Thomas made 11 birdies at Harbour Town Golf Links. The 31-year-old American is aiming for his first win since the 2022 PGA Championship. He leads fellow Americans Russell Henley and world number one Scottie Scheffler. Wyndham Clark is just one shot behind them.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick opened with a 66 and is part of a group at five under par. Justin Rose, who lost to Rory McIlroy in a Masters play-off, shot 67 and is tied for 10th.

Thomas started strong with six birdies on the front nine. After a bogey on the 10th hole, he bounced back with five more birdies in the next six holes.

“I don’t think I did anything crazy,” said Thomas. “I just drove the ball well, which is really important here, and kept giving myself good chances to score.”