Aaron Baddeley fires early in US PGA event

Two-time Australian Open champion Aaron Baddeley has made a promising start to the PGA event at St Simons.

Baddeley, among several high-profile Australian golfers missing from this week's Open at The Lakes in Sydney, carded a five-under par 67 in tough conditions.

He is three shots adrift of leader Charles Howell III whose unblemished round included eight birdies.

Baddeley had one bogey among six birdies to be in a tie for fourth.

The 37-year-old is one of three former Australian Open winners playing in this week's event.

Stuart Appleby and Matt Jones both finished at one-under par to be in a share of 30th.

Austin Cook put himself in contention to defend his RSM Classic title with an impressive opening round at Sea Island.

The American, who saw off the challenge of JJ Spaun last year, carded a six-under par 66.