Medinah, Ill. • Winless over the last 12 months, Justin Thomas knew he was playing well and he was due for a low round.
Thomas smashed the course record at Medinah with an 11-under 61 that gave him a six-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau.
He opened with five birdies, and none was worthy of a highlight reel because of what followed. He hit a 5-wood from 260 yards on the par-5 10th that was so pure he twirled his club and watched it roll out to 2 feet.
In fluffy grass behind the 14th green, he chipped in for birdie.