Keith Mitchell shoots a 6-under 65 to share the PGA Tour lead with Jacob Bridgeman in Japan

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — During the first round of the PGA's Baycurrent Classic, Keith Mitchell shot a 6-under 65 and tied for the top spot on the leaderboard with Jacob Bridgeman. The two leaders were two shots ahead of a group that included Ben Kohles, who had a 9-under 62. Other players two shots behind the leaders were Mac Meissner, Max Homa, and Zack Bouchou.

The PGA Tour's only stop in Asia hosts a strong field of 24 players, including 13 who previously competed in the Presidents Cup at Medinah, Illinois. Mitchell attributed his strong start to the enthusiastic crowd and his preparation for the Japanese culinary scene. Bridgeman had a challenging round, describing it as more difficult to make birdies, but he managed to navigate the course conservatively and finished with a 68.

Hideki Matsuyama, Japan's top star, shot a 1-over 72 and was eight shots off the lead, while Xander Schauffele recorded a 69, also eight shots behind the leaders.