Jason Day clawed his way back up the leaderboard midway through the opening round of the US PGA Championship in North Carolina on Friday morning.

The Australian world No.7 carded a one-under-par 70 at Quail Hollow to sit three shots back of clubhouse leader Thorbjorn Olesen.

Denmark’s Olesen, who won the golf World Cup in Melbourne last year, shot an impressive 67 to hold a one-shot lead over reigning US Open champion Brooks Koepka, Grayson Murray, Chris Stroud, Gary Woodland (all 68) and Bud Cauley (13 holes) at three-under.

Day, who won the PGA Championship in 2015 and finished runner-up last year, plummeted out of contention early with three dropped shots through 13 holes before rallying with two birdies and an eagle.

The 29-year-old Day leads the Australian charge on day one, with Adam Scott a shot back at even-par through 11 holes. 

Adam Scott remains in contention at even par after the first round. Photo: Getty

Townsville native Scott Hend is next best of the Australians at one-over after shooting a 72, while Marc Leishman has made a poor start to his round, sitting four-over through nine holes.

Youngster Cameron Smith carded a disappointing 75, while fellow Queenslander Rod Pampling also struggled to a 77.

Brisbane teaching pro Stuart Deane, who won $US1 million off Donald Trump at an exhibition tournament in 2006, had a shocking 84 to sit dead last at 13-over the card.

– AAP