Northern Trust Open leaderboard: Dustin Johnson takes early lead at Riviera

The second wave at Riviera is making their way through the opening round of the Northern Trust Open, and right now everyone is chasing early clubhouse leader Dustin Johnson. It’s no surprise to see Johnson get out in the morning and post a number, given his recent form and second-place finish last week at Pebble Beach. Johnson remains probably the most talented American golfer not named Tiger or Phil, and is a threat to win every time he enters a tournament. He checks out or makes curious moves at times, and still has to put it together on Sunday at a major, but he’s the best of the younger wave of players, and is a bet to win at least once a year.

Dustin carded just one bogey during his opening round, making a 4 at Riviera’s extremely difficult par-3 4th hole. It’s a hole that Ben Hogan called the best par-3 in America, and it still remains a challenge to get down in three for the modern players. Aside from that, it was smooth sailing for Johnson, who predictably took advantage of the three par-5s and make birdie at each on his way to getting in at 66.

Blake Adams, who had a late Sunday tee time with Phil Mickelson at Pebble, is currently even with DJ at 5-under. Keegan Bradley and Rickie Fowler are two other name players in the afternoon groups currently making a run at the lead. They’re 3-under through 10 holes. Here’s a snapshot of the leaderboard with half the field done:

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