Lowry five shots off the pace after opening round 67

An opening round 67 left Shane Lowry five shots off the pace at the American Express PGA Tournament, where Zach Johnson shared the lead with Sweden's Alex Noren.

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The Offaly native, who started at the 10th tee, birdied three of his opening five holes, and two of his final four to sit on five-under par, and a tie for 39th place.

American Johnson, who made 10 birdies on a low-scoring first day at La Quinta in California, and Noren, who enjoyed an eagle, nine birdies and a double bogey to finish on 10-under par, led the way on the opening day.

After the day's play, the American Ryder Cup captain said he has "put a lot of good work in as of late".

He said: "Actually been a lot of normal golf work, given what happened last year, with what I was responsible for, which was awesome. Now it's time to get back to work. I've enjoyed the work. I've enjoyed the sweat."

Johnson hit seven of his 10 birdies on the front nine.

Tied in third place and just one stroke off the lead are Rico Hoey from the Philippines and South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

They are ahead of nine players tied at eight-under including Americans Xander Schauffele and Scott Stallings