Bubba Watson and Francesco Molinari early leaders at PGA

Aug 12, 2010, 23:53 GMT

Sheboygan, Wisconsin - Bubba Watson and Francesco Molinari were the club house leaders at the half-way stage of the first round at the PGA Championship on Thursday.

Big-hitter Watson and the Italian-born Molinari, who is the younger of two brothers playing in the championship on the Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin, both hit a four-under par 68 to lead from a group of players one shot behind.

Watson, who has the second best driving average on the tour behind Robert Garrigus, hit six birdies and two bogies, while Molinari had a birdie and bogey less, but finished his round with three birdies on the last five holes.

'I played well all day and I tried to stay out of trouble, which I think is the key really in major golf. I have been putting alright and I had a good start and then I just enjoyed myself,' he said.

The early starters had to wait before teeing off due to fog and Molinari said that had made it difficult. 'Today has been a very long day. We have been waiting in the players' area three, four hours this morning, so it has been quite tiring, but I think we will have time to relax.'

Australian Jason Day and Americans Ryan Moore and Charles Howell III finished their rounds on 69, while Tiger Woods, who came into the tournament off a disastrous 18-over and second-last place in the Bridgestone Invitational last weekend, managed to stay one-under on 71 to stay in contention.

'This round was a lot better than I have been playing. I got off to a good start. I worked hard, but dropped a few shots, but it was a round under par.

'I hit the ball pretty good. I felt I had control. I feel more confident,' Woods said.

Because of the fog-delay, the late starters on the picturesque course on the banks of Lake Michigan were not expected to finish their first rounds on Thursday.

Among them was Phil Mickelson, who could take over from Woods as the world number one if he wins or finishes well ahead of his rival in the top four.

The left-handed Mickelson was one-under after three holes.