Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Yuta Ikeda each shot a 2-under-par 68 in the opening round of the PGA Championship on Thursday to sit four strokes behind leader Gary Woodland of the United States.

Matsuyama carded two birdies in a bogey-free round at the par-70 Bellerive Country Club, while Ikeda had three birdies and a single bogey for a share of 16th. Woodland carded seven birdies and a bogey for a one-shot lead over fellow American Rickie Fowler.

Last year, Matsuyama took a second-round lead at the tournament before finishing in a tie for fifth.

(Hideki Matsuyama)

The 26-year-old has been winless on the PGA Tour this year, but said he had started the last of the four majors in good shape. His best result at a major this year was 16th at June's U.S. Open.

"I think it was a good score, considering it was the opening day of a major tournament. I think I did a good job pulling myself together," Matsuyama said. "I'll start thinking about the tournament if I can get a good score in my second round."

Ikeda opened the round with a birdie but hit a bunker on No. 4, which ended as his only bogey of the day.

"I had a lot of chances so I think I should've done better," he said. "I've been able to stay relaxed, not thinking too much about playing at a major tournament."

Japan's Satoshi Kodaira had a 1-over 71 to tie with American Jordan Spieth, who is aiming for his fourth major championship title.

(Yuta Ikeda)