Los Angeles: American Dustin Johnson fired a seven-under 64 at Riviera Country Club to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the 6.4 million-dollar Northern Trust Open.
Johnson made the most of cool, calm morning conditions as he nabbed seven birdies without a bogey on the par-71 layout for a one-stroke lead over Argentina's Andres Romero and American Kevin Stadler.
Ricky Barnes and Brandt Snedeker were two shots back on 66.
"Got off to a good start, had good vibes going all day," said Johnson, who started at the 10th and back to back birdies at 11 and 12.
Romero nabbed eight birdies in a six-under 65, more than making up for a double-bogey at the par-four ninth.
Stadler started on the 10th tee and got hot early, with six of his seven birdies in his first nine holes. He cooled off coming in, with one birdie balanced by a bogey.
Steve Stricker, runner-up here last year to Phil Mickelson, headed a trio on 67. Stricker launched his round with an eagle at the par-five first hole. He added four birdies and two bogeys to finish alongside Steve Lowery and Cameron Beckman.
Japanese sensation Ryo Ishikawa was in a group of more than a dozen players on three-under 68 that also included South Africans Rory Sabbatini and Ernie Els, England's Luke Donald and Sweden's Jesper Parnevik.
Ishikawa, 18, is making his 2010 US debut at the same tournament where he missed the cut in his first US tour outing last year.
He moved as low as five-under par, but had two bogeys in his last four holes - including a three-putt from 26 feet at the sixth.
Even so, he was pleased to put himself in position to make the cut.
"My mentality is better than last year, and especially my putting," Ishikawa said. "I hope I can make the cut tomorrow."
World number two Mickelson left himself plenty of work to do if he is to claim an unprecedented third straight title in the event, posting a one-over 72, as did Ireland's Padraig Harrington.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, February 05, 2010, 09:01