Marc Leishman leads on Day One at Byron Nelson - One stroke off record

Byron Nelson Day One - Marc Leishman leads, one stroke off tournament record

Australian Marc Leishman's round total of 10-under-par 61 is one stroke short of the Byron Nelson record set by Keegan Bradley in 2013 and is the best of his PGA Tour career. Leishman is three shots ahead of Jimmy Walker and JJ Spaun who are tied in second place on 7-under 64.

Fellow Aussies Matt Jones, Cameron Percy and Adam Scott are among a large group tied six shots back from the lead on 4-under 67.

Leishman launched into a great start at the par-5 first hole where his 237 yard shot stopped three feet out, waiting for his tap-in. He birdied the 6th and 7th, reaching the back nine at 4-under. Three more birdies followed on the 10th, 11th and 12th then a 13 foot eagle putt at the par-5 14th. A final birdie on the par-3 17th secured his best round.

Leishman said he appreciated the wide, generous fairways of the Trinity Forest course, but noted that "You have to stay on them otherwise you're in trouble."

Jimmy Walker fired an amazing shot at the last hole. He was on a healthy 7-under when he arrived at the 18th, then a dicey drive seemed to have set up a bogey. His ball was perching precariously on the rim of a bunker from where it appeared impossible for any shot to land on the green, suggesting that he needed to aim back to the fairway instead.

After a chat with his caddie Andy Sanders, Walker struck out towards the green. The ball caught the slope and rolled down towards the hole. It stopped a few breaths short of what would have been a phenomenal eagle, but he made par and settled for the 64. [See Walker's shot in video below.]