Dustin Johnson opens with a 66 to take the early lead at sunny Riviera

Dustin Johnson acknowledges the gallery after making par on the second hole in the first round of the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (The Associated Press)

CORRECTS TO BIRDIE, NOT EAGLE - Jim Furyk, right, is congratulated by Dustin Johnson after Furyk made birdie on the second green in the first round of the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Dustin Johnson moved down the coast of California and brought his game with him Thursday in the Northern Trust Open.

Johnson made six birdies at Riviera for a 5-under 66. That gave him a one-shot lead among the early starters on a glorious day off Sunset Boulevard.

Johnson closed with a 66 on Sunday in the cold, gray weather of Pebble Beach to finish one shot behind Jimmy Walker. He hasn't played much this year, but he is playing well when he does.

Francesco Molinari of Italy and Torrey Pines winner Scott Stallings were among those at 67.

There wasn't much wind, but the warm, sunny conditions made Riviera a challenge with fast conditions, particularly on the greens.

Jordan Spieth, among the late starters, was 3 under through seven holes.