Matt Fitzpatrick one off lead at Canadian Open as compatriot Aaron Rai sets pace

The 28-year-old, having started on the back nine, rolled in five birdies before a bogey on his penultimate hole of the day – the 352 par-four eighth – left him one shot behind the early leaders, which included Rai.

Matt Fitzpatrick finished the first day of the Canadian Open, one shot behind the lead. Pic: Richard Sellers/PA

Matt Fitzpatrick was one shot off the clubhouse lead jointly held by fellow Englishman Aaron Rai midway through the first round of the Canadian Open.

A week before his US Open defence, Fitzpatrick began his bid for a third career PGA Tour title in steady fashion with a four-under-par 68 at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club.