Bradley leads after storms hit BMW Championship

BMW Championship 2024

-6 Bradley (US); -5 Matsuyama (Jpn); -4 Noren (Swe), Scott (Aus), Conners (Can), Im (Kor)

Selected others: -3 Schauffele (US); -2 McIlroy (NI); Evens Fleetwood (Eng); +3 Lowry (Ire)

American Keegan Bradley held a one-shot lead after shooting a six-under 66 during a thunderstorm-hit first round at the BMW Championship.

Bradley, 38, was one of eight players left on the course at Castle Pines, near Denver, when thunderstorms delayed play for three hours.

He was tied with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama on five under going to the 18th hole, which Bradley birdied to take a slender advantage into the second round.

Bradley, who was recently named the United States' captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, scraped into the 50-strong field with the last available spot in Colorado.

"I want to be out there with the guys and the Ryder Cup team," said Bradley after his first round.

"I want to be playing with them, on the range with them, in the locker room, in the tournament.

"It was really important for me to be in this top 50."

Sweden's Alex Noren, Australia's Adam Scott, Canada's Corey Conners and South Korea's Im Sung-jae formed a four-strong pack on four under.

Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele sat three back, while world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled with a back problem as he finished one under.

Rory McIlroy was tied for 10th after a two-under 70.