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PGA Championship: Walker leads, DJ implodes

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Jimmy Walker's early lead on Thursday stood up and he's the sole leader after the first round of the PGA Championship following a round of five-under par 65 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield Township, N.J.

It was his best score in a major championship and in pursuit of his first major championship gave the 37-year-old a one-stroke lead over Martin Kaymer, Emiliano Grillo and Ross Fisher.

"It's frustrating. I would have loved to have had a better year than I've had so far to this point but I know there's always time to play well at the end of the year," said Walker. "So it would be nice to flip that around. I've really been working hard, and that hasn't been the case. I have been cranking away and busting it. It just hasn't showed which kind of happens sometimes."

Baltusrol, meanwhile, also victimized some of golf's best. Dustin Johnson, the winner of the U.S. Open, had one of the worst days, shooting a seven-over par 77. He is tied for 143rd, and only five players shot worse rounds.

Likewise, two-time PGA Championship winner Rory McIlroy shot a four-over 74. He is tied with Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and John Daly, all whom will need strong second-round scores to play the weekend.

Phil Mickelson, following his second place finish at the British Open, shot a one-over 71. He is tied with Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson for 54th, six strokes off the lead.

Henrik Stenson, the British Open winner two weeks ago, shot a three-under 67 to jump out into a tie for fifth, with Harris English, Andy Sullivan and James Hahn. They are two strokes off the lead.

Jason Day, the reigning PGA Championship winner, had one of the better rounds with a two-under 68. He is tied for ninth with Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka, and three strokes off the lead.

Jordan Spieth birdied two of his final three holes to shoot an even-par 70, tying for 36th with Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Branden Grace and Andrew Johnston.

[Click here for the entire leader board from Baltusrol.] (http://www.golfdigest.com/story/pga-championship-leader-board)