Defending Traveler’s Championship title holder Ken Duke has kick-started his round with an impressive  five under par 65 on the TPC  Highlands course in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Duke, who won an enormous number of new fans with his unique ‘bunker shot’ at last week’s U.S. Open, capped his round with an eight foot eagle at the par five, 13th hole.

It left the affable American just three shots behind compatriot Brendan Steele who birdied three holes in succession from the 11th in an eight under par 62.

“I am really happy with the way I played,” said Duke.

“The key once again was just keeping everything in the present  and not getting ahead of myself and I managed to do that today.

“A 65 is a good platform to build on so I am very pleased with today’s score.”

Ken Duke shoots a five under par 65 and showing he is not about to hand back the Travellers Championship without a fight.