Canada's Corey Conners tied for 3rd at PGA Championship as darkness suspends play

Bryson DeChambeau was back on a major stage Thursday. No longer the incredible bulk, he still lashed away with speed and strength that carried him to a 4-under 66 at tough Oak Hill and the early lead in the PGA Championship.

DeChambeau kept the ball in play for most of the round and powered his way out of the gnarly rough the few times he got out of position. He matched his low score at the PGA Championship and led by one over Scottie Scheffler, Dustin Johnson and Canada's Corey Conners.

Still to be determined was whether he would be leading after the opening round. A two-hour frost delay meant 30 players didn't finish because of darkness. They were to return Friday morning to finish. That included Eric Cole, the 34-year-old PGA Tour rookie who was at 5 under with four holes remaining.

So did Johnson, the two-time major champion who is coming off a playoff win last week in Oklahoma in the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. Johnson went from a fairway bunker to deep rough left of the 18th green and missed a putt just inside 15 feet for his only bogey.

"I didn't have my best stuff, but I felt like he managed the golf course very well and took advantage of the opportunities when I had it," Johnson said. "Made some crucial saves there on the back side."

WATCH | Conners shoots 3-under 67 in opening round:

Fairways covered with a thin layer of frost gave way to magnificent weather with little wind.

"Today was probably the easiest conditions we'll see all week," said Scheffler, who took advantage with his first bogey-free card in 51 rounds at a major.

Frosty vibes <a href="https://twitter.com/PGAChampionship?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PGAChampionship</a>