The 2014 US Ryder Cup player made four birdies over his first nine holes after starting at 10 and gained another shot with a birdie at his 16th.
He entered the Major in 50th place on the FedExCup points list and 29th in Ryder Cup points. He has a sense of urgency this week with double points at stake and a chance to become the year’s fourth first-time Major winner.
“Last two or three years haven’t been accustomed to sitting where I am on the FedExCup list,” said Walker, who won three times in 2014 and twice more last year.
“So yeah, I would like to keep jumping up. I like jumping inside the top 30 and going to the Tour Championship.
“I definitely wanted to play Ryder Cup this year.”
