Johnson had a double bogey and two bogeys on his first holes Friday in windy conditions at sun-baked Glen Abbey. He rebounded with six birdies and had a late bogey in a 1-under 71.
List also shot a 71, birdieing the par-5 16th and 18th after dropping making three bogeys in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine.
Canadian amateur Jared du Toit, former Arizona State teammate Jon Rahm and Kelly Kraft were a stroke back, also each shooting 71.
Du Toit made the turn tied for the lead at 7 under, then had a triple-bogey 8 on No. 2 and a bogey on No. 5. The Sun Devils senior birdied the next three holes and closed with a par.
Top-ranked defending champion Jason Day was 1 over, following his opening 69 with a 76.
