Dredge leads French Open on 1st day at Ryder Cup venue

Published Jun. 28, 2018 3:04 p.m. ET

PARIS (AP) Bradley Dredge carded a 4-under 67 to lead by one shot after the opening round of the French Open on Thursday.

The Welsh player, who closed with a 66 at last week's BMW International Open, continued his good form with five birdies in windy conditions at Le Golf National, where the Ryder Cup will be played in September.

Two-time champion Graeme McDowell, a vice captain for the European team, and Andy Sullivan of England were both a shot off the lead.

McDowell had seven birdies and four bogeys, and Sullivan five and two. They are one clear of Robert Karlsson - another of Europe's vice captains - Thomas Pieters and Dean Burmester.

Justin Thomas of the United States, making his debut at the tournament, and Jon Rahm of Spain were in a group of eight tied for seventh, three shots off the lead. Thomas had a double-bogey on the fifth hole, and Rahm did the same on the 15th.

Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is 3-over par.